Young Investigators: The Project Approach in the Early Years (Early Childhood Education Series)

About this book

This compelling book illustrates how all children even those considered "at-risk " may benefit from the exploratory and child-initiated nature of project investigations in order to achieve mastery of basic literacy skills. It also presents student-initiated learning as a starting point for dynamic and responsive teaching. The story of how projects emerge develop and culminate is told through a combination of teacher interviews and vivid accounts of classroom practice. Building upon inclusionary and child-centered practices the authors offer a much-needed perspective on the pre-primary years. Key Features: An emphasis on how teachers solve the practical problems of doing projects with young children including selecting topics organizing the classroom setting up field visits encouraging children to represent what they are learning and involving parents Chapters are written from practice and include a plan of action that enables teachers to take their first step toward following childrens interest Photos of children engaged in projects including some in full color; examples of childrens art and writing; and classroom materials A step-by-step guide for teachers to use in planning and documenting projects