Play & Physical Env

The Play's the Thing: Teachers' Roles in Children's Play (2d ed.)

vsheehan@naeyc.org — Tue, 30 Aug 2011 16:30:08 -0400

Responding to current debates on the place of play in schools, Jones and Reynolds explain how and why play is a critical part of children’s development, as well as the central role adults have to promote it. This classic textbook and popular practitioner resource offers systematic descriptions and analyses of the different roles a teacher adopts to support play, including those of stage manager, mediator, player, scribe, assessor, communicator, and planner. From Teachers College Press.

Big Body Play: Why Boisterous, Vigorous, and Very Physical Play Is Essential to Children's Development and Learning

vsheehan@naeyc.org — Thu, 17 Mar 2011 10:37:12 -0400

“Big body play”—the sometimes rowdy, always very physical running, rolling, climbing, tagging, jumping, grabbing, and wrestling that most children love and many adults try to shut down—can and should be an integral part of every early childhood setting. Drawing from evidence-based practice and the latest research, this book explains the multitude of benefits of big body play for young children’s social-emotional, cognitive, and physical development.

Spotlight on Young Children and Nature

vsheehan@naeyc.org — Tue, 12 Apr 2011 12:03:37 -0400

Nature exploration is fundamental to young children’s curiosity, discovery, and sense of wonder—it supports their growth in all developmental domains. In this collection of engaging articles from NAEYC’s journal Young Children, teachers of children from infancy through age 8 will learn about using nature education to address early learning standards, to involve families and the community, and to encourage children’s appreciation of the natural world.

NAEYC Black Fleece Blanket

vsheehan@naeyc.org — Fri, 15 Apr 2011 17:43:29 -0400

Cozy polar fleece blanket (50"x60") embroidered with the NAEYC color logo. Comes with detachable nylon strap—perfect for toting to sporting events.

Play, Projects, and Preschool Standards: Nurturing Children's Sense of Wonder and Joy in Learning

vsheehan@naeyc.org — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 14:45:56 -0500

Preschool teachers today are often challenged by and concerned about the expectations in states' early learning standards. Authors Jacobs and Crowley tackle these concerns head-on, providing teachers with lively, creative ideas to develop children's genuine curiosity while building the skills they'll need to succeed in kindergarten and beyond. Includes well-planned projects and activities that both capture children's interest and enhance social and pre-academic development. From Corwin Press.

Come and Play: Sensory-Integration Strategies for Children with Play Challenges

vsheehan@naeyc.org — Tue, 15 Feb 2011 15:16:51 -0500

Play is necessary for children to learn and developmentally thrive. For this reason, early intervention is vital in addressing and redirecting play challenges that may appear in young children. This book addresses five common play challenges and provides key intervention guidelines and sample play plans for each challenge. These play challenges include children who:

Go Green Rating Scale for Early Childhood Settings

vsheehan@naeyc.org — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 18:34:30 -0500

Take steps toward environmental improvement and contribute to children’s potential for longer, healthier lives. The Go Green Rating Scale measures environmental health and safety in child care settings and evaluates categories such as air quality, cleaning products, hygiene and body-care products, pesticides, lead and other contaminants, and stewardship and green living. From Redleaf Press.

For more information on the Go Green Rating Scale, view these videos:

Go Green Rating Scale for Early Childhood Settings Handbook: Improving Your Score

vsheehan@naeyc.org — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 18:36:04 -0500

The Go Green Rating Scale for Early Childhood Settings Handbook corresponds directly to the Go Green Rating Scale. This comprehensive handbook explains the science and research behind each item in the rating scale; defines the most important elements of going green; and offers concrete measures, graduated goals, and practical guidelines to help improve your score. From Redleaf Press.

The Learning Child Series (4-DVD Set)

vsheehan@naeyc.org — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 18:30:02 -0400

As seen on public television, this four-program set has been created to assist educators and parents in guiding children to become motivated, thoughtful and active learners. Including a companion guide with each program, the series examines such habits of mind as personal curiosity, problem solving, “as-if” thinking, and acceptance of different points of view. While each program explores a different topic—literacy, play, ethics, and the environment—all encourage a lifelong interest in learning i

When Learning Comes Naturally: Exploring Nature's Classroom (DVD)

vsheehan@naeyc.org — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 18:00:00 -0400

How can children be encouraged to make a lasting connection to nature? This program profiles the efforts of educators and parents to introduce children to the natural world and to involve them—through outdoor play, class activities, and their own creative work—in a process of outdoor discovery. Beyond the immediate benefits to child development that come with exploration and improvisational learning, the program documents how meaningful time spent outdoors can cultivate in children a permanent caring for nature—a crucial ethic of environmental responsibility.