ExchangeEveryDay Past Issues

Forward this issue to a friend

"Children talk when they have something to say.  Providing children with interesting materials and experiences they want to talk about, therefore, is a good way to promote language."  These are the observations of Ann Epstein in her book, The Intentional Teacher:  Choosing the Best Strategies for Young Children's Learning.  She continues...

"Teachers should also establish a climate in which children feel free to talk (no sitting in place with hands folded and mouths shut!).  Teachers should encourage children to talk with one another, and be sure they, themselves, converse with all the children, including those who are quiet or whose habits or demeanor makes it harder to talk with. These strategies will increase the amount and complexity of children's language and create a classroom in which lively conversations accompany busy hands and minds."

---

Educators must act with knowledge and purpose to make sure young children acquire the skills and understanding they need to succeed. Intentional teachers keep in mind the key goals for children’s learning and development in all domains by creating supportive environments, planning curriculum, and selecting from a variety of teaching strategies that best promote each child’s thinking and skills.

The Intentional Teacher considers how and when each type of learning (child-guided, adult-guided, or a combination) is most effective, and what teachers can do to support them.

"This is one of the best early childhood books that I have ever read, and I have read a lot of them. It takes on a difficult topic about which little direct research exists and does an outstanding job of framing the discussion in ways that not only will push the practice of current teachers, but will also provide a new theoretical framework for pushing a new generation of research in the field."
— Sue Bredekamp, Council for Professional Recognition

ExchangeEveryDay

Delivered five days a week containing news, success stories, solutions, trend reports, and much more.