The Learning-Centered Kindergarten

Shari Y. Ehly is an educator with twenty-six years of experience teaching kindergarten, first, and second grade, mostly in the Killeen Independent School District in Killeen, Texas. After receiving her MA in Curriculum and Instruction at the University of Texas, Austin, she served as a campus-based instructional specialist, supervised new and veteran teachers, provided professional development for Killeen ISD teachers, and wrote curriculum and assessments for the district. She is currently an assistant principal in the same district.

Foreword by Lisa S. Goldstein
Preface
Acknowledgments
About the Author
Introduction: The Importance of Learning-Centered Kindergarten in Today′s Standards-Centered World
No Child Left Behind, Standards, and Changes in Kindergarten
The Need for Learning-Centered Kindergarten
What Is a Learning-Centered Kindergarten?
Making Your Kindergarten a Learning-Centered Classroom
Key One: Embrace Kindergarten′s Multiple Purposes
The Challenges of Teaching Kindergarten Today
Learning-Centered Kindergarten: A Bridge Between Two Worlds
Classroom Snapshot--Ms. Carlos Lesson: Sensory Awareness and Vocabulary Development
Reflection on the Classroom Snapshot
Guiding Principles and Practical Strategies
Use Your Professional Knowledge Base to Guide Your Practice
Opportunity for Professional Growth
Pulling It All Together
Reflection...
Key Two: Understand How Children Learn
Learning Theory and Creating a Learning-Centered Kindergarten
Classroom Snapshot--Ms. Cook Lesson: Flat Stanley Revisted
Reflection on the Classroom Snapshot
Pulling It Together
Reflection...
Key Three: Recognize the Special Needs Child
Identifying Special Needs Students in Kindergarten
Identification and Modification
Behavioral and Academic Challenges
Classroom Snapshot--Ms Washington
Reflection on the Classroom Snapshot
Pulling It Together
Reflection...
Key Four: Develop Behavioral Expectations and Procedures
Creating a Learning Environment
Consequences and Rewards
Common Causes of Misbehavior
Classroom Snapshot--Ms. Hunter
Reflection on the Classroom Snapshot
Pulling It Together
Reflection...
Key Five: Create a Supportive and Engaging Learning Environment
Classroom Design
Think About This...
Classroom Learning Environment
Role of Curriculum and Instructional Practices
Developmentally Appropriate Practices and the Standards
Classroom Snapshot--Mr. Goodwin Lesson: Integrating Technology Into the Curriculum
Reflection on the Classroom Snapshot
Pulling It Together
Reflection...
Key Six: Recognize Your Students as Members of Families, Communities, and Sociocultural Groups
Culture
Include Families and Caregivers
Classroom Snapshot--Ms. Macrone Lesson: All About Me
Reflection on the Classroom Snapshot
Pulling It Together
Reflection...
Key Seven: Establish Partnerships With Students and Families
Building Relationships
Go the Extra Mile
Caregiver Education
When Nothing Helps
Classroom Snapshot--Mr. Bradley
Reflection on the Classroom Snapshot
Pulling It Together
Reflection...
Key Eight: Plan Meaningful Learning Experiences to Connect Your Students to the Standards
Developmentally Appropriate Practice Can Be Rigorous Too
Designing Learning Experiences for a Learning-Centered Classroom
Know Your Students
Classroom Snapshot--Ms. Sandburg
Reflection on the Classroom Snapshot
Pulling It Together
Reflection...
Key Nine: Showcase Your Students′ Learning and Their Engagement With the Standards
Kindergarten Teachers: Really Teaching or "Just Playing"?
Making a Connection to the World
Classroom Snapshot--Ms. McCardo
Reflection on the Classroom Snapshot
Pulling It Together
Reflection...
Key Ten: Form Alliances With Colleagues and Commit to Your Own Professional Development
Learning-Centered Means Everyone, Every Day--No Exceptions
Begin With Collaboration
Professional Development
Classroom Snapshot--Ms. Lawrence and Ms. Simmon
Reflection of Classroom Snapshot
Pulling It Together
Reflection...
Resources
Glossary
Helpful Readings to Strengthen Your Knowledge Base
References
Index