These kinds of conversations and interactions are laced with language-supporting activities, including activities that promote vocabulary and world knowledge accumulation.
Often, teachers struggle to come up with activities that are inclusive and representative of each child and their family, helping to build self-confidence and also an understanding of others’ social and cultural identities.
Like many teachers, I have developed ways to keep my preschoolers engaged and learning while schools are closed due to COVID-19. Also, what I offer is shaped by the feedback I receive from families about how they might (or might not) be able to participat
I decided to begin my emergent curriculum paired with our elementary school’s initial response to the shelter in place mandate: What is a community helper? Who is a community helper? How can you be a community helper?
While participating in the diaper-changing routine, Lilly is learning language and self-help skills, and developing autonomy, self-regulation, and other capabilities.
NAEYC promotes high-quality early learning for all children, birth through age 8, by connecting practice, policy, and research. We advance a diverse early childhood profession and support all who care for, educate, and work on behalf of young children.
The most powerful learning I have gleaned from my work with the project approach is that when children learn to inquire, they are learning how to learn. They are empowered to ask questions and seek answers.