Title: Young investigators : the project approach in the early years /
Authors: Helm, Judy Harris; Katz, Lilian.; Katz, Lilian G. 1932-
Publisher: Teachers College Press,
Year: 2000
Subjects: Project method in teaching.; Early childhood education Curricula.
Abstract: "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 literary 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 practce. 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 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 children's art and writing; and classroom materials; and a step-by-step guide for teachers to use in guiding and documenting projects."--Jacket.
Contents: 1. Projects and young children -- The project approach -- Benefits of projects in the early years -- Opportunities and constraints of the early years -- Guiding projects with young children -- 2. Getting started -- Selecting project topics -- Anticipatory teacher planning -- Building common experiences -- Finding out what children know -- Developing questions for investigation -- Setting up the classroom for investigation -- 3. Developing the project -- Beginning Phase II -- Preparing for investigation -- Moving into investigation -- 4. Investigation -- Field-site visits -- Debriefing -- Moving into Phase III -- 5. Concluding the project -- Culminating the project -- The power of documentation -- Types of documentation -- Using materials and equipment for documentation -- Distilling documentation -- Evaluating the project -- 6. Issues in guiding projects with young children -- Curriculum requirements, standards and projects -- Involving parents -- Utilization of technology -- Using the project approach with specific populations -- Administrator's support of the project approach -- Learning as a journey -- 7. The fire truck project -- The children's journey.