Search results for ""author deb curtis""

Teachers often see repetitive behaviors in toddler and preschool classrooms, such as building and knocking down block towers or dumping out toys. When children do these actions over and over, it can be irritating to teachers and parents, but viewing these actions through the lens of schema theory, developed by Jean Piaget, can help adults understand what’s really going on in children’s brains when they display these repetitive behaviors.Children’s Lively Minds is filled with stories about real children exploring schema, followed by reflection and questions about what children might be learning. All children develop schema to explain their worlds, whether educators are deliberately supporting them or not. Readers will recognize many of the behaviors described in the following schemas: Transporting Transforming Trajectory Rotation and Circularity Enclosing and Enveloping Connecting/Disconnecting Orientation/Perspective Understanding schema theory and intentionally supporting it can help families and teachers ease frustration with young children’s repetitive behavior and allow adults to better support brain development.

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You likely have dreams for your early childhood environment that are greater than rating scales, regulations, and room arrangements. Designs for Living and Learning has been a favourite resource among educators and caregivers for more than a decade, and this new edition is packed with even more fresh ideas that can be used as you create captivating environments that nurture children, families, and staff while supporting children's learning. With hundreds of all-new colourful photographs of real early learning settings and a multitude of simple and practical concepts for creative indoor and outdoor spaces and learning materials, this book truly is a source of inspiration as you learn how to shape welcoming spaces where children can learn and grow.Expanded chapters include new information reflecting current trends and concerns in the early childhood field, such as the use of recycled and non-traditional materials, children in the outdoors, alternative ways to think about providing for learning outcomes, facing and overcoming barriers and negotiating change, and the impact of environmental rating scales in Quality Rating and Improvement Systems (QRIS). Two new chapters are included, one highlighting the transformations of environments with before and after photos and outlines of the process, and another offering examples of soliciting children's ideas about the environment.

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Offering an alternative approach to standardization and data-driven mandates, this book puts children at the center of planning. Using The Thinking Lens® protocol teachers can translate educational theories into concrete ideas for working with children and families. Learn to create a classroom culture, develop routines, and use learning stories to enhance experiences for the children in your care.

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The art of observing children is more than merely the act of watching them- it is also using what you see and hear to craft new opportunitites in your classroom. This newly updated edition of The Art of Awareness provides a wealth of inspiration and practice. Witness children's remarkable competencies as they experience childhood and find a new joy in your work with children. In the third edition you will find A new chapter focused on observing children's active play in the context of current neuroscience and the connection between active physicality and brain developementRevisons with a strong emphasis on observing wiht an antibias and equity lens, including new stories and reflective questions to promote learningExpanded thinking about children's engagement with the natural world and supporting children' ecological identity developmentAccess to videos for further study related to chapter contentNew strategies to organize your observations, share them with colleagues and families, and apply the to planning and assesment processesBy learning the art and skill of observation, you can improve your teaching and help children grow and learn.

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Create a larger vision in your child care program and perform your job as a center director with motivation and creativity. Early childhood leaders Deb Curtis, Margie Carter, and Luz Casio provide inspiration and support in this newly updated edition of The Visionary Director.The third edition: Reflects new requirements and initiatives in early childhood programs. Adds QR Code access links with short video stories and print resources that further illuminate the ideas under consideration. Has a stronger focus on creating an organizational culture that is shaped by more diverse perspectives with an anti-racist, anti-bias, equity lens. Updates content to address current early childhood education trends and leadership for an expanded definition of quality. Find a concrete framework for approaching and organizing your work, as well as principles, strategies, and self-directed activities to support your vision for building a strong learning community for your staff and the young children in their care.

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As the field of early learning continues to grow and evolve, we must consider the impact of our approaches to working with adults and children. Early childhood professionals and leaders need to reconcile the responsibility between never-ending administrative tasks, ensuring program quality and supporting the growth of others. Creating a Culture of Respective Practice: The Role of Pedagogical Leadership in Early Child Programs is a comprehensive practical look at creating systems, structures and protocols for supporting people in?large and small organizations, individuals working as mentors, coaches or pedagogical leaders to invite educators into a thinking and learning process about their work. Readers will develop the skills and mindsets that can enhance their performance and effect organizational change. Creating a Culture of Respective Practice: The Role of Pedagogical Leadership in Early Child Programs offers stories and structures connected to four principles of pedagogical leadership with specific ideas to enhance the work of educational leaders: Working from a place of values and vision Building strong relationships Seeing and supporting strengths and competencies Supporting professional learning in multiple ways

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Enhance the quality of your teaching with collaborative, critical, and reflective thinking Teaching young children is complex work. While you manage the day-to-day events that unfold in your classroom, you also have to keep up with the demands of assessment and documentation. With all of these challenges, how can you maintain the equally important tasks of encouraging children’s curiosity and supporting their joy of learning? How can you sustain your own curious mind and joyful spirit in your work? Reflecting with other teachers in a community of practice can strengthen your ability to respond to the children in your classroom and share meaningful experiences with them. This workbook is designed to be used with a group—a community of practice—but it can also be a self-study tool. The exercises help you understand and practice the key elements of reflective teaching. Ten study sessions provide opportunities to engage with peers as you collaborate and connect theory and best practices in your classrooms. These experiences will help you Evaluate and grow your reflective teaching skills Use the Thinking Lens™ protocol to align your daily work with your larger goals, values, and vision Gain a heightened sense of self-awareness and a stronger image of children Examine the details of your environment Challenge yourself with new perspectives

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