Many curriculum books treat teaching as something teachers do to or for children. Deb Curtis and Margie Carter, best-selling authors in the early learning field, believe teaching is a collaborative process in which teachers reexamine their own philosophies and practices while facilitating children’s learning. Each chapter in this curriculum framework includes a conceptual overview followed by classroom stories and photographs to illustrate the concepts. The book helps teachers create materials and a classroom culture reflective of their values: Teach through observation, reflection, inquiry, and action, and encourage children to represent their learning in multiple ways, including songs, stories, and drama.
These two authors give the most basic curriculum outline. Great for beginning teachers. A very play based approach and the importance of intentional materials. Wonderful room set up tips. Also stresses the importance of the teacher being involved and interested and learning with children. Always be willing to adapt the curriculum when needed.
I LOVE this book. It's totally theoretical in foundation, which I adore, and then gives accessible PRACTICAL strategies for use in the classroom. It's about using the emergent curriculum/reggio approach with young children. It offers so many strategies that I have to stop reading just to spend time absorbing what I have already read. I use it in my work everyday. This is a fantastic resource.
When I first started reading this book, I was disappointed. However, as I continued, I found more and more that I liked about it. Now I think it will be great for working with educators who are new to reggio and with families in the cooperative program.
This is one of my go to books along with curtis and Carter's other book designs for living and learning. The photos are amazing and this book breaks down the various components aspects for the day in an early learning classroom. Amazingly done!