Young Investigators: The Project Approach in the Early Years

Early Childhood Education

by Judy Harris Helm, Lillian G. Katz

''Everything you could possibly need to start a project is covered in this book, so start investigating!'' -- Association for Childhood Education International

This bestselling book has been completely updated and expanded to help teachers use the project approach in child care centers, in preschools, and in kindergarten, 1st grade, and early childhood special education classrooms. For those new to using projects, the book introduces the approach and provides step-by-step guidance for conducting meaningful projects. Experienced teachers will find the teacher interviews, children's work, photographs (including full color), and teacher journal entries used to document the project process in actual classrooms very useful.

This popular, easy-to-use resource has been expanded to include these new
* explicit instructions and examples for incorporating standards into the topic selection and planning process;
* a variety of nature experiences, with examples that show how project work is an excellent way to connect children to the natural world;
* an update of the use of technology for both documentation and investigations, including use of the Web as well as and video and digital cameras; * and more toddler projects that reflect our increased knowledge from recent mind/brain research about toddler understanding and learning.

A study guide for pre- and in-service teachers is available at the Teachers College Press website.

Genres: Education, Nonfiction, Teaching, Professional Development, Grad School

148 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 2000

Reviews

[sam howie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really great book on engaging children in projects that last more than a day or a week, projects that are able to develop substance, while challenging children to keep coming back to the ideas. I feel there is something about the project approach as a teaching strategy that is fundamentally different as a way to looking at ideas, which really allows for children to work for a long time on something, opening up a type of perseverance and a patience. Holding children's attention on something I feel has huge potential learning value and is needed, that is the skills to remain interested and dig deeper. A skill set that children may not usually be exposed to.

[Tien Do Bat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing knowledge

The book changed my mind set to approach for learning.

This not only enhance knowledge for children naturally & easily but also engage teacher in adventuring new knowledge on different projects. Teachers don’t get bored as normal repetitive tasks.

The teaching methodology is upgrading to a whole new level.

[Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Young Investigators: The Project Approach in the Early Years makes the idea that children learn by doing come alive. It gives teachers guidance on how to involve the children in each phase of a project from planning and executing each step, recording and drawing conclusions. This is a great way to help children develop observation skills and problem solving skills that will serve them for the rest of their lives.

[Amber]

1 copy available

[Kris Patrick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not a swift read. Lots of details anticipating every possible "why?" "but..." "how to..." "what next?"

[Kay Kay · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was filled with great ideas! This is how kids really learn!