101 Social Studies Activities for Curious Kids is a unique collection of easy and enjoyable writing activities designed to stimulate social awareness, creative thinking and self-expression in children ages six and older. Embracing the author's "if it's fun, kids will do it" educational philosophy, this book lets children explore the fundamental nature of community by getting them to write about what they know best - themselves. Divided into five critical social science strands - Relationships, Rules and Responsibilities; Traditions and Celebrations; Days Gone By; My Community; and The Global Village - this book uses simple directions and descriptive written examples to lead children through 101 timeless activities that will help them to establish important connections between past, present and future; to develop a basic understanding of heritage and citizenship and to begin to decipher their role as social beings in the local community and society at large.

101 Social Studies Activities for Curious Kids is a unique collection of easy and enjoyable writing activities designed to stimulate social awareness, creative thinking and self-expression in children ages six and older. Embracing the author's "if it's fun, kids will do it" educational philosophy, this book lets children explore the fundamental nature of community by getting them to write about what they know best - themselves. Divided into five critical social science strands - Relationships, Rules and Responsibilities; Traditions and Celebrations; Days Gone By; My Community; and The Global Village - this book uses simple directions and descriptive written examples to lead children through 101 timeless activities that will help them to establish important connections between past, present and future; to develop a basic understanding of heritage and citizenship and to begin to decipher their role as social beings in the local community and society at large.

This book anchors the social studies as the central unifying force for young children. Teachers use the inquiry process to foster child development of social skills and citizenship ideals in their first classroom experiences. Curriculum is built starting with children’s natural curiosity to foster literacy in all its form—speaking, listening, reading, writing. Along the way, young children acquire knowledge and academic skills in civics, economics, geography and history. Shown throughout are ways to promote social learning, self-concept development, social skills and citizenship behaviors. Featured here are individually appropriate and culturally relevant developmental practices. Considered are the importance of family collaboration and funds of knowledge children bring to early care and education. Contributors to this edition bring expertise from bilingual, early education, literacy, special education and the social studies. Beginning with citizenship and community building the authors consider all aspects of teaching young children leading to a progression of capacity to engage civically in school and community.

Children are already learning at birth, and they develop and learn at a rapid pace in their early years. This provides a critical foundation for lifelong progress, and the adults who provide for the care and the education of young children bear a great responsibility for their health, development, and learning. Despite the fact that they share the same objective - to nurture young children and secure their future success - the various practitioners who contribute to the care and the education of children from birth through age 8 are not acknowledged as a workforce unified by the common knowledge and competencies needed to do their jobs well. Transforming the Workforce for Children Birth Through Age 8 explores the science of child development, particularly looking at implications for the professionals who work with children. This report examines the current capacities and practices of the workforce, the settings in which they work, the policies and infrastructure that set qualifications and provide professional learning, and the government agencies and other funders who support and oversee these systems. This book then makes recommendations to improve the quality of professional practice and the practice environment for care and education professionals. These detailed recommendations create a blueprint for action that builds on a unifying foundation of child development and early learning, shared knowledge and competencies for care and education professionals, and principles for effective professional learning. Young children thrive and learn best when they have secure, positive relationships with adults who are knowledgeable about how to support their development and learning and are responsive to their individual progress. Transforming the Workforce for Children Birth Through Age 8 offers guidance on system changes to improve the quality of professional practice, specific actions to improve professional learning systems and workforce development, and research to continue to build the knowledge base in ways that will directly advance and inform future actions. The recommendations of this book provide an opportunity to improve the quality of the care and the education that children receive, and ultimately improve outcomes for children.

101 Playground Games is a collection of active and engaging school playground games that will encourage active learning and social development among children at playtime, this second edition has been updated to include a wealth of new games from around the world. The school playground plays a crucial role in developing all aspects of children’s behaviour and interpersonal learning, and yet there is a growing awareness that children today do not play in the same sociable ways as previous generations. Encouraging children to play games can be hugely beneficial not only for their physical health but also for their social, emotional and mental health. This brilliant resource includes a practical toolkit of photocopiable and downloadable materials along with clear instructions for adults on how to organise a range of different types of games, including: • traditional games • chasing and catching games • singing and dancing games • skipping games and rhymes • parachute games • quiet games • co-operative games Ideal for teachers, lunchtime supervisors, breakfast and after school club leaders as well as group leaders for organisations such as scouts or guides to promote lively and enjoyable games, this book is particularly suited to children aged 5–11 years but can easily be adapted for older children. 101 Playground Games is a book that will make any playtime a richer experience for all.