"For each activity presented, the text examines its relation to the rapid brain growth that characterizes the 0 to 3 years, including major developments in sensory reception, movement, language, cognition, memory, vision, and motivation. Revised and expanded, this edition features many full-color images and new chapters on using electronic technology"--

Think more intentionally about the play materials you choose and offer to preschoolers to enhance their development and learning

This book contains a wealth of practical and specific activities and materials to use with infants and toddlers to enhance growth and development. Writing in the accessible style that her readers appreciate, Ann Lewin-Benham looks at current research from the neurosciences to show what teachers and childcare providers can do with very young children. For each material or activity presented, the text examines its relation to the rapid brain growth that characterizes the zero to three years, including sensory reception, movement, language, cognition, memory, vision, and motivation. Materials, with guidance for their use and where to find them, include: paint, mark-makers, man-made found objects, natural objects, clay, paper, and light and shadow. This is the definitive guide for trainers and professionals who work with young children. “This book does not patronize or talk down to the reader—it assumes that teachers and parents are eager to think hard about how the brain works and children learn. The information is scientifically up-to-date, and its implications for education are stimulating to laypersons and professionals alike. Reading this book will forever change the way you think about how children learn.” —From the Foreword by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, Claremont Graduate University “Ann Lewin-Benham’s book represents an extraordinarily comprehensive yet usable guide to the neuroscientific state-of-the-art in infant and toddler cognitive development. Full of practical recommendations for engaging young children’s brains with the physical world around them, this volume will connect strongly with educators and caregivers alike.” —Mariale Hardiman, Interim Dean, School of Education, Johns Hopkins University “As we learn more and more from neuroscience about the development of the infant brain, two things have become clear: how competent babies are, and how much they depend on relationships to frame their early development. In her new book Ann Lewin-Benham helps us to understand how to respectfully relate to the developing brain.” —J. Ronald Lally, Co-Director, Center for Child & Family Studies, WestEd

Connecting theory to practice, this book highlights the importance of play for the social, emotional, and intellectual development of very young children. Combines theoretical and practical information and includes guidance about how to improve interactions with children, select materials for young children to use, and work with families to support children development. Through vignettes, photographs, and narrative text, learn a range of ideas to help infant-toddler teachers become more responsive to children's cues and more intentional in their interactions and play with children.

This book is an essential companion for all who work with children under 3 years old. It makes current research accessible and provides practical support material for curriculum, learning, teaching, planning, and assessment. The authors focus on work in settings of all kinds to promote best practice and offer a high quality experience for the age range.

A well-established reference, INFANTS AND TODDLERS: CURRICULUM AND TEACHING, 7TH EDITION, presents a child-centered approach for the child care provider called conscious care giving. This important and well-rounded approach encourages a sense of empowerment and focuses on the respectful, purposeful, and careful handling of children in any child care setting. Reader friendly, realistic, and easily applicable to real life, the book emphasizes the child's growth and development, helping readers discover how they can best and most effectively influence that development. Overviews of key child care philosophies as they relate to the child, the caregiver, and parent involvement are presented along with case studies and personal perspectives of child care professionals, helping readers translate theory into practice. Important Notice: Media content referenced within the product description or the product text may not be available in the ebook version.