Early Childhood Education: Becoming a Professional
“(This Book) has rich information and is well tied to the standards and includes sufficient resources.” (Su-Jeong Wee)“Professionalism is fully developed and integrated throughout the chapters. The author actually uses the term Professional ECE teacher throughout the chapters. Applying theory to Practical, easy to implement ideas is thoroughly developed throughout the chapters. The policy boxes at the end of the chapters help students understand putting theory and research into practice and this is easily found in the chapters. There is discussion on developmentally appropriate practices throughout the chapters, as well. The theme not mentioned above, Families and Cultural Diversity is also seen within each chapter. The authors definitely placed an emphasis on diversity and I see it throughout.” (Kimberly K. Sellers, PhD)“It is important to focus on the full range of children, who are considered in early childhood, birth through age eight. This textbook covers all of these age groups throughout the chapters. There are vignettes that focus on different ages. The sample lesson plans have examples for each age group… In my experience, many ECE textbooks focus on birth to age 5, but tend to leave out or not place as much emphasis on the early elementary students. I see more information included on this age group within this text.” (Kimberly K. Sellers, PhD)· “The chapters are arranged in a logical sequence, beginning with general history, programs, and theories and then going into more focused descriptions of assessment, special needs, diversity, guidance, and curriculum and concluding with trends in the field. It is logical and clear. The chapters are labeled appropriately so that the student has a good idea of what is covered.” (Kimberly K. Sellers, PhD)“The content is well organized and the ideas are based on current research and best practices.” (Erin E. Barton)“I love all of (the pedagogical features)! Making connections from the text to the “real world” seems to be the area students struggle in the most- and yet is the most important part.” (Jody M. Carson)“I like the way the chapters/book covers all three areas (age groups); that has become a major focus in MA and I feel it’s very important for students to have this information. I feel all were covered well and keeping this balance would be very helpful for me as an instructor and for the students.” (Jody M. Carson)“Students really depend upon examples to show them what is actually being discussed or defined for them. The author does a great job including practical examples in the chapters to help the reader make the connections.” (April M Grace)“The section on working with parents and the section on addressing cultural and socio-economic differences are so important for students to understand. I don’t always see that in textbooks. Very important! (April M Grace)“Once I had begun to read, I was drawn in by the author’s writing. I feel students would not feel overwhelmed and lost by reading this text. The writing is very appropriate.” (April M Grace,)“I enjoyed the Policies and Politics Boxes. They were provocative and I think they would get my students to think deeply and discuss.” (Michelle Fryer Hanson)“I really like the information about the additional readings and the on the web section.” (Cheryl J. Hitchcock)“I felt the TOC had a logical flow; the titles were clear and understandable. It matches most of the organization of the way my course is set out.” (Jennifer A. Kampmann)“Mathematics, Science, and Technology. An excellent chapter. If prospective teachers can grasp the information in the vignette that describes children’s excitement about learning through science, they will be ahead of the game. During my days as a classroom teacher, I taught math and science in a departmentalized elementary school. Science is doing. Math is about learning not only facts, but concepts. The paragraph that explains that teachers might have to upgrade their knowledge and skills in math, science, and technology is an awareness that needs to be brought home to teachers. Teachers often hamper the development of children’s learning because of their own shortcomings. I like it as it is.” (James C. Young)