Miscellaneous

As schools nationwide embrace literacy initiatives grounded in the Science of Reading, educators need practical guidance for translating research into effective instruction. Coaching the Science of Reading: provides a roadmap for implementing evidence-based literacy practices with confidence and fidelity. Written by experts from Virginia Literacy Partnerships, this resource equips teachers, literacy coaches, reading specialists, and instructional leaders with actionable coaching strategies, implementation tools, and approaches for sustaining meaningful change. Blending research with real-world application, the book helps schools navigate literacy mandates, strengthen instructional practices, support teacher growth, and improve outcomes for young readers. Whether leading districtwide reform or supporting a single school, this guide helps turn the Science of Reading into lasting results.

The pressure to accelerate academics in kindergarten has led to rigid schedules, seated classwork, and a decline in joyful learning. Rediscovering Kindergarten: Embracing Play & Joy in Learning offers a powerful call to reimagine kindergarten as a place where play-based learning and challenging academic content go hand in hand. Author Laura Bornfreund, education policy expert and nationally recognized voice in early childhood, argues for developmentally appropriate practice that supports the whole child. Drawing from research and real-world examples, this book shares ideas for teaching that nurtures curiosity, social-emotional development, and equity. For educators, leaders, and advocates, this is a practical and inspiring guide to reclaiming kindergarten from push-down academics to restore it to what it was always meant to be: playful exploration full of rich learning.

When trust is the foundation, everything changes. Trust First: Turn Behaviors that Challenge Us into Opportunities to Learn shares a powerful approach to classroom management built on relationships, respect, and belonging. In this practical, inspiring guide, Dr. Deborah Bergeron and Rhonda Conn-Parent help early childhood educators move beyond compliance-based systems and cultivate an environment where children feel safe, connected, and ready to learn. With real-world strategies grounded in trust psychology, the book addresses persistent challenges - such as behavior issues and disengagement - through a new lens of compassion, communication, and community. Whether you're facing burnout or simply seeking a more joyful and connected way to teach, this book will reframe the way you view your students. Rediscover the joy of teaching through the power of trust.

Every leaf, stone, and feather hold the potential to spark imagination and learning. Nature's Palette is a seasonal guide to open-ended art experiences that connect young children to the natural world while nurturing independence, creativity, and cognitive growth. Using Montessori principles and nature-based learning, author Janine Kloiber invites educators to rethink art time as an opportunity for discovery, reflection, and child-led expression. With clear guidance and developmentally rich ideas, each chapter introduces versatile techniques such as felting, marbling, stringing, and weaving using found and sustainable materials. Full of ideas for bringing more purpose and possibility to your art activities, this book.

As today's early learning environments become more linguistically and culturally diverse, educators face the growing need for practical, inclusive strategies to support young multilingual learners (MLLs). This extensively updated edition of Many Languages, One Classroom offers a hands-on, user-friendly roadmap for creating welcoming spaces where every child feels a sense of belonging and is empowered to succeed. Drawing from the latest research, classroom trends, and educator feedback, author Karen Nemeth, MEd, integrates meaningful updates throughout the book-enhancing guidance on family partnerships, equity and inclusion, curriculum fidelity, and support for both bilingual and monolingual teachers. New features also include connections to Connect4Learning® The Pre-K Curriculum and NAEYC's most recent guidance on developmentally appropriate practice, along with updated terminology, coaching insights, and curated resources for digital and professional development.

The shift in reading instruction has left many early childhood educators searching for clarity and support. Ready to Read bridges the gap between research and real-world practice, offering early childhood teachers the tools they need to deliver evidence-based, developmentally appropriate instruction grounded in the science of how young children build literacy skills. Edited by literacy expert Latisha Hayes, PhD, this resource brings together leading voices in the field to demystify key concepts and provide practical, easy-to-implement strategies tailored to pre-K and kindergarten classrooms. Whether you're just beginning your structured literacy journey or looking to align your instruction with new mandates, this guide will help you feel equipped and empowered. Paperback. 240 pages.

Young children need a strong foundation in understanding water's role in our world, especially as climate change impacts ecosystems, weather, and daily life. Gadzikowski provides educators with hands-on, inquiry-based activities that align with the Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework and Next Generation Science Standards. This resource builds vocabulary, supports scientific exploration, and fosters children's curiosity about the importance of water in natural and human-made systems. With engaging ideas for play-based engineering investigations, the book helps children develop critical thinking skills while nurturing a lifelong appreciation for water and its impact on our planet.