Reaching Standards and Beyond in Kindergarten

Nurturing Children's Sense of Wonder and Joy in Learning
Gera Jacobs - The University of South Dakota
Kathleen E. Crowley - St. Agnes School
Reaching Standards and Beyond in Kindergarten
November 2009 | 168 pages | Corwin
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eBook
ISBN: 9781452272511
Available from January 0001
Paperback
ISBN: 9781412957250
Available from January 0001

Description

"This book clearly outlines how teachers can make standards the foundation of their practice without leaving behind what the best teachers know about creating challenging and ordered environments that respect the learning needs of young children. Through clear examples and informative vignettes, including how to meet the needs of children with special needs and those learning English, this books helps teachers find the resources to return joyful learning to this critical year of schooling."
—Harriet A. Egertson, Educational Consultant

"A great overview of a developmentally appropriate kindergarten classroom. This book gives me the support I need to know that I am teaching my students through practices based on research."
—Darcy Sammelson, Kindergarten Teacher
Austin School, Vermilion, SD

Help kindergarten students meet national standards in developmentally appropriate ways!

Standards provide an important benchmark for student learning, but meeting them doesn't mean you have to take away fun and creativity. Reaching Standards and Beyond in Kindergarten offers research-based strategies and ideas for addressing content standards in ways that nurture children's natural love of learning.

The authors show how creative play activities can help children reach standards in literacy, mathematics, science, social studies, and the arts. They also offer suggestions for promoting healthy physical and social-emotional development. Covering the transition to kindergarten as well as the transition to first grade, this book:

  • Presents authentic assessments for measuring student progress toward meeting standards
  • Offers strategies and tips for working with English language learners and children with special needs
  • Discusses how to develop relationships with caregivers and strengthen the critical home-school connection
  • Includes sample templates, calendars, book lists, and more

This resource provides novice teachers with field-tested strategies and gives veteran teachers fresh ideas to add to their existing instructional repertoire.

Contents

Preface

Preface

Acknowledgments

Acknowledgments

About the Authors

  • 1. The Importance of the Kindergarten Year: Getting Off to a Good Start
  • Reaching Standards in Kindergarten and the Power of Play
  • Ready for the Children
  • Transition to Kindergarten and Forming Partnerships With Families
  • Strengthening Relationships
  • Meeting the Needs of All Children
  • Supporting Children Learning English as a New Language
  • Working With Children's Individual Needs
  • 2. Designing the Kindergarten Environment
  • Creating a Welcoming Environment
  • Kindergarten Room Design
  • Designing Interest Areas That Invite Learning
  • Managing Interest Areas
  • The Social Environment
  • Scheduling to Make the Most of Our Time Together
  • Supporting Children Learning English as a New Language
  • Working With Children's Individual Needs
  • 3. Addressing Standards Through Engaging Studies and Authentic Assessment
  • Engaging Studies and Projects
  • Assessing Children's Progress Toward Reaching Standards
  • Supporting Children Learning English as a New Language
  • Working With Children's Individual Needs
  • 4. Nurturing Children's Sense of Wonder Through Science
  • Designing the Environment to Promote Science Inquiry
  • Addressing Standards and Developing Science Concepts Through Engaging Studies and Experiences
  • Supporting Children Learning English as a New Language
  • Working With Children's Individual Needs
  • 5. Fostering Involved Citizens Through Social Studies
  • Designing the Environment for Our Future World Citizens
  • Addressing Standards and Developing Social Studies Concepts Through Engaging Studies and Experiences
  • Supporting Children Learning English as a New Language
  • Working With Children's Individual Needs
  • 6. Engaging Young Readers and Writers in the Literacy-Rich Kindergarten
  • Designing a Nurturing Environment for Young Readers and Writers
  • Addressing Language and Literacy Standards and Goals Through Engaging Studies and Experiences
  • Discovering More About Learning New Languages
  • Supporting Children Learning English as a New Language
  • Working With Children's Individual Needs
  • 7. Motivating Mathematics
  • Designing the Environment to Promote Mathematical Thinking
  • Addressing Standards and Developing Mathematical Concepts Through Engaging Studies and Experiences
  • Supporting Children Learning English as a New Language
  • Working With Children's Individual Needs
  • 8. Celebrating Creativity Through the Arts
  • Designing the Environment to Promote Creativity Through the Arts
  • Addressing Standards in the Arts Through Engaging Studies and Experiences
  • Supporting Children Learning English as a New Language
  • Working With Children's Individual Needs
  • 9. Promoting Healthy Physical and Social-Emotional Development
  • Designing the Environment to Promote Healthy Physical Development
  • Addressing Standards and Fostering Physical Development Through Engaging Studies and Experiences
  • Designing the Environment to Promote Positive Approaches to Learning and Social-Emotional Development
  • Nurturing Positive Approaches to Learning and Social-Emotional Development Through Engaging Studies and Experiences
  • Supporting Children Learning English as a New Language
  • Working With Children's Individual Needs
  • 10. Connecting the Dots: Reaching Standards and Beyond
  • Kindergarten for All Children
  • The Length of the Kindergarten Day
  • Supporting the Transition to First Grade
  • Reaching Beyond the Standards

Resources

  • Children's Books
  • Children's Music
  • Calendar Letter for Families
  • Calendar Pages for Families
  • Label Lemur Name Badge

References

References

Suggested Readings

Suggested Readings

Index

Index

Description

"This book clearly outlines how teachers can make standards the foundation of their practice without leaving behind what the best teachers know about creating challenging and ordered environments that respect the learning needs of young children. Through clear examples and informative vignettes, including how to meet the needs of children with special needs and those learning English, this books helps teachers find the resources to return joyful learning to this critical year of schooling."
—Harriet A. Egertson, Educational Consultant

"A great overview of a developmentally appropriate kindergarten classroom. This book gives me the support I need to know that I am teaching my students through practices based on research."
—Darcy Sammelson, Kindergarten Teacher
Austin School, Vermilion, SD

Help kindergarten students meet national standards in developmentally appropriate ways!

Standards provide an important benchmark for student learning, but meeting them doesn't mean you have to take away fun and creativity. Reaching Standards and Beyond in Kindergarten offers research-based strategies and ideas for addressing content standards in ways that nurture children's natural love of learning.

The authors show how creative play activities can help children reach standards in literacy, mathematics, science, social studies, and the arts. They also offer suggestions for promoting healthy physical and social-emotional development. Covering the transition to kindergarten as well as the transition to first grade, this book:

  • Presents authentic assessments for measuring student progress toward meeting standards
  • Offers strategies and tips for working with English language learners and children with special needs
  • Discusses how to develop relationships with caregivers and strengthen the critical home-school connection
  • Includes sample templates, calendars, book lists, and more

This resource provides novice teachers with field-tested strategies and gives veteran teachers fresh ideas to add to their existing instructional repertoire.

Contents

Preface

Preface

Acknowledgments

Acknowledgments

About the Authors

  • 1. The Importance of the Kindergarten Year: Getting Off to a Good Start
  • Reaching Standards in Kindergarten and the Power of Play
  • Ready for the Children
  • Transition to Kindergarten and Forming Partnerships With Families
  • Strengthening Relationships
  • Meeting the Needs of All Children
  • Supporting Children Learning English as a New Language
  • Working With Children's Individual Needs
  • 2. Designing the Kindergarten Environment
  • Creating a Welcoming Environment
  • Kindergarten Room Design
  • Designing Interest Areas That Invite Learning
  • Managing Interest Areas
  • The Social Environment
  • Scheduling to Make the Most of Our Time Together
  • Supporting Children Learning English as a New Language
  • Working With Children's Individual Needs
  • 3. Addressing Standards Through Engaging Studies and Authentic Assessment
  • Engaging Studies and Projects
  • Assessing Children's Progress Toward Reaching Standards
  • Supporting Children Learning English as a New Language
  • Working With Children's Individual Needs
  • 4. Nurturing Children's Sense of Wonder Through Science
  • Designing the Environment to Promote Science Inquiry
  • Addressing Standards and Developing Science Concepts Through Engaging Studies and Experiences
  • Supporting Children Learning English as a New Language
  • Working With Children's Individual Needs
  • 5. Fostering Involved Citizens Through Social Studies
  • Designing the Environment for Our Future World Citizens
  • Addressing Standards and Developing Social Studies Concepts Through Engaging Studies and Experiences
  • Supporting Children Learning English as a New Language
  • Working With Children's Individual Needs
  • 6. Engaging Young Readers and Writers in the Literacy-Rich Kindergarten
  • Designing a Nurturing Environment for Young Readers and Writers
  • Addressing Language and Literacy Standards and Goals Through Engaging Studies and Experiences
  • Discovering More About Learning New Languages
  • Supporting Children Learning English as a New Language
  • Working With Children's Individual Needs
  • 7. Motivating Mathematics
  • Designing the Environment to Promote Mathematical Thinking
  • Addressing Standards and Developing Mathematical Concepts Through Engaging Studies and Experiences
  • Supporting Children Learning English as a New Language
  • Working With Children's Individual Needs
  • 8. Celebrating Creativity Through the Arts
  • Designing the Environment to Promote Creativity Through the Arts
  • Addressing Standards in the Arts Through Engaging Studies and Experiences
  • Supporting Children Learning English as a New Language
  • Working With Children's Individual Needs
  • 9. Promoting Healthy Physical and Social-Emotional Development
  • Designing the Environment to Promote Healthy Physical Development
  • Addressing Standards and Fostering Physical Development Through Engaging Studies and Experiences
  • Designing the Environment to Promote Positive Approaches to Learning and Social-Emotional Development
  • Nurturing Positive Approaches to Learning and Social-Emotional Development Through Engaging Studies and Experiences
  • Supporting Children Learning English as a New Language
  • Working With Children's Individual Needs
  • 10. Connecting the Dots: Reaching Standards and Beyond
  • Kindergarten for All Children
  • The Length of the Kindergarten Day
  • Supporting the Transition to First Grade
  • Reaching Beyond the Standards

Resources

  • Children's Books
  • Children's Music
  • Calendar Letter for Families
  • Calendar Pages for Families
  • Label Lemur Name Badge

References

References

Suggested Readings

Suggested Readings

Index

Index

SAGE Publishing Logo

Reaching Standards and Beyond in Kindergarten

Nurturing Children's Sense of Wonder and Joy in Learning


November 2009 | 168 pages | Corwin

Format Published Date ISBN Price
Paperback 01/02/2026 9781412957250 $37.95
Lifetime 01/02/2026 9781452272511 $35.00

"This book clearly outlines how teachers can make standards the foundation of their practice without leaving behind what the best teachers know about creating challenging and ordered environments that respect the learning needs of young children. Through clear examples and informative vignettes, including how to meet the needs of children with special needs and those learning English, this books helps teachers find the resources to return joyful learning to this critical year of schooling."
—Harriet A. Egertson, Educational Consultant

"A great overview of a developmentally appropriate kindergarten classroom. This book gives me the support I need to know that I am teaching my students through practices based on research."
—Darcy Sammelson, Kindergarten Teacher
Austin School, Vermilion, SD

Help kindergarten students meet national standards in developmentally appropriate ways!

Standards provide an important benchmark for student learning, but meeting them doesn't mean you have to take away fun and creativity. Reaching Standards and Beyond in Kindergarten offers research-based strategies and ideas for addressing content standards in ways that nurture children's natural love of learning.

The authors show how creative play activities can help children reach standards in literacy, mathematics, science, social studies, and the arts. They also offer suggestions for promoting healthy physical and social-emotional development. Covering the transition to kindergarten as well as the transition to first grade, this book:

  • Presents authentic assessments for measuring student progress toward meeting standards
  • Offers strategies and tips for working with English language learners and children with special needs
  • Discusses how to develop relationships with caregivers and strengthen the critical home-school connection
  • Includes sample templates, calendars, book lists, and more

This resource provides novice teachers with field-tested strategies and gives veteran teachers fresh ideas to add to their existing instructional repertoire.


Table Of Contents:

  • Preface
  • Acknowledgments
  • About the Authors
  • 1. The Importance of the Kindergarten Year: Getting Off to a Good Start
  • Reaching Standards in Kindergarten and the Power of Play
  • Ready for the Children
  • Transition to Kindergarten and Forming Partnerships With Families
  • Strengthening Relationships
  • Meeting the Needs of All Children
  • Supporting Children Learning English as a New Language
  • Working With Children's Individual Needs
  • 2. Designing the Kindergarten Environment
  • Creating a Welcoming Environment
  • Kindergarten Room Design
  • Designing Interest Areas That Invite Learning
  • Managing Interest Areas
  • The Social Environment
  • Scheduling to Make the Most of Our Time Together
  • Supporting Children Learning English as a New Language
  • Working With Children's Individual Needs
  • 3. Addressing Standards Through Engaging Studies and Authentic Assessment
  • Engaging Studies and Projects
  • Assessing Children's Progress Toward Reaching Standards
  • Supporting Children Learning English as a New Language
  • Working With Children's Individual Needs
  • 4. Nurturing Children's Sense of Wonder Through Science
  • Designing the Environment to Promote Science Inquiry
  • Addressing Standards and Developing Science Concepts Through Engaging Studies and Experiences
  • Supporting Children Learning English as a New Language
  • Working With Children's Individual Needs
  • 5. Fostering Involved Citizens Through Social Studies
  • Designing the Environment for Our Future World Citizens
  • Addressing Standards and Developing Social Studies Concepts Through Engaging Studies and Experiences
  • Supporting Children Learning English as a New Language
  • Working With Children's Individual Needs
  • 6. Engaging Young Readers and Writers in the Literacy-Rich Kindergarten
  • Designing a Nurturing Environment for Young Readers and Writers
  • Addressing Language and Literacy Standards and Goals Through Engaging Studies and Experiences
  • Discovering More About Learning New Languages
  • Supporting Children Learning English as a New Language
  • Working With Children's Individual Needs
  • 7. Motivating Mathematics
  • Designing the Environment to Promote Mathematical Thinking
  • Addressing Standards and Developing Mathematical Concepts Through Engaging Studies and Experiences
  • Supporting Children Learning English as a New Language
  • Working With Children's Individual Needs
  • 8. Celebrating Creativity Through the Arts
  • Designing the Environment to Promote Creativity Through the Arts
  • Addressing Standards in the Arts Through Engaging Studies and Experiences
  • Supporting Children Learning English as a New Language
  • Working With Children's Individual Needs
  • 9. Promoting Healthy Physical and Social-Emotional Development
  • Designing the Environment to Promote Healthy Physical Development
  • Addressing Standards and Fostering Physical Development Through Engaging Studies and Experiences
  • Designing the Environment to Promote Positive Approaches to Learning and Social-Emotional Development
  • Nurturing Positive Approaches to Learning and Social-Emotional Development Through Engaging Studies and Experiences
  • Supporting Children Learning English as a New Language
  • Working With Children's Individual Needs
  • 10. Connecting the Dots: Reaching Standards and Beyond
  • Kindergarten for All Children
  • The Length of the Kindergarten Day
  • Supporting the Transition to First Grade
  • Reaching Beyond the Standards
  • Resources
  • Children's Books
  • Children's Music
  • Calendar Letter for Families
  • Calendar Pages for Families
  • Label Lemur Name Badge
  • References
  • Suggested Readings
  • Index

Recent Product Reviews:

“This book clearly outlines how teachers can make standards the foundation of their practice without leaving behind what the best teachers know about how to create challenging and ordered environments that respect the learning needs of young children. Through clear examples and informative vignettes, including how to meet the needs of children with special needs and those learning English, this books helps teachers find the resources to return joyful learning to this critical year of schooling.”
Harriet A. Egertson, Educational Consultant
“This book contains great, easy-to-do, and easily incorporated ideas for topics that give children real-life experiences, along with ways to include children who have special needs.”
Lucy Vandersnick, Special Education Teacher, Northwest Educational Services Cooperative
“This is a wonderful, well-balanced book with great ideas to implement in a kindergarten classroom. I love the ‘try this’ ideas. The authors make great connections with kindergarten standards and hands-on learning.”
Lacee Mills, Kindergarten Teacher, Liberty Elementary School, Harrisburg, SD
"A great overview of a developmentally appropriate kindergarten classroom. This book gives me the support I need to know that I am teaching my students through practices based on research."
Darcy Sammelson, Kindergarten Teacher, Austin School, Vermilion, SD
“This is a great book for new and experienced early childhood teachers. I’ve found lots of great activities and ideas. This book was created by teachers, with creative ideas used by teachers—it is a real treasure!”
Jacqueline L. Jerke, First-Grade Teacher, Stewart Elementary School, Yankton, SD

Recommendations