Twelve Best Practices for Early Childhood Education: Integrating Reggio and Other Inspired Approaches

Early Childhood Education

by Ann Lewin-Benham, Sharon Ryan (Series Editor), Howard Gardner (Foreword)

In her new book, popular author Ann Lewin-Benham draws on her intimate knowledge and experience with the Reggio Approach to present 12 “best practices” inspired not only by Reggio, but also by play-based and Montessori approaches to early childhood education. These practices are demonstrated, one per chapter, with scenarios from classrooms, dialogues of children and teachers, and work samples showing the outcome of using each practice. Used together, the 12 best practices offer a new framework for early education. Written in the accessible style that her readers appreciate, this book expands on Lewin-Benham’s earlier works by showing the foundations for teachers to practice the Reggio Approach in their own settings. It introduces several new fostering language skills through Meaningful Conversation, designing inspiring environments, switching from a scheduled to an Open Flow day, using materials to build brain networks and stimulate Significant Work, and much more. This important resource also includes a self-assessment tool, EXCEL, to assist you in examining your practices and those of your school. All chapters include key points and questions to help readers think more deeply about the material presented. “Lewin-Benham offers joyful, grounded, and practical counsel to early childhood teachers… totally delightful and thoroughly helpful!”
― Sharon Lynn Kagan , Teachers College, Columbia University
“I predict that you’ll place this book alongside those educational readings that you value most.”
―From the Foreword by Howard Gardner

Genres: Education

224 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 2011

Reviews

[Mari · Rating 5 out of 5]

Teaching at a preschool where freedom to choose is one of the most important aspect for children, this book has been one of the most helpful in thinking of how to strengthen the kids' thinking skills. I believe that children learn most through play, but this book enabled me to go a bit further in understanding how to make everyday activities into a-ha moments. With the new ideas in mind, I want to start changing the environment of the preschool and how I work with the kids. Awesome book with such insightful topics and ideas!