A Guidance Approach for the Encouraging Classroom

by Dan Gartrell

A GUIDANCE APPROACH FOR THE ENCOURAGING CLASSROOM, 5/E, easily functions as a primary reference for professionals or in classes that address group management, the learning environment, child guidance, child behavior, challenging behavior, conflict management, and peace education topics. The book addresses ages 3-8 years in three parts. Part 1 explores the foundation of guidance in early childhood education and covers key concepts such as conventional discipline versus guidance, mistaken behavior, the guidance tradition, and innovative theories about child development with guidance. Part 2 focuses on building and organizing an encouraging classroom, as well as providing key elements of an encouraging classroom, including daily schedule, routines, use of thematic instruction, importance of working with parents, and leadership communication. Part 3 addresses problem solving and challenging behavior in the encouraging classroom, including a practical illustration for how to use and teach conflict management and coverage of the "five-finger-formula." The book also covers nontraditional families as well as the effects of societal violence in the classroom. Throughout, this experience-based resource includes tips, techniques, and real-life anecdotes that help professionals make the shift from conventional classroom to developmentally appropriate guidance.

Genres: Textbooks

592 pages, Paperback

First published July 9, 2002

Reviews

[Mara Cortona]

A solid classroom-management textbook aimed at public school teachers, but a useful resource to anyone seeking to teach in a more peaceful, non-violent, and developmentally effective manner. Lots of practical and illustrative advice, good notes about working with boys, and an unwavering espousal of democratic guidance rather than authoritarian discipline.

[Jennah]

I used this book for my college course for discussion posts, reading assignments, quizzes and observations.