PRESCHOOL APPROPRIATE PRACTICES, 5th Edition, helps future and current teachers create self-directed learning environments in their classrooms. Each chapter helps students learn how to set up one type of learning center (e.g., music/dance), including instructions on what to include in the center and how children can use it. The self-directed learning approach encourages children to become involved in their own learning. A second theme emphasizes the teacher's role as a facilitator, helping readers understand how to: 1) observe children's developmental levels, 2) provide developmentally appropriate activities, 3) serve as a behavior model, and 4) best support children in their learning. Learning activities, some of which incorporate children's picture books, exemplify the NAEYC's developmentally appropriate practice (DAP). Chapters also incorporate NAEYC accreditation criteria.

1. The Self-Directed Learning Environment.
2. The Teacher's Role.
3. Block Center.
4. Dramatic Play Center.
5. Books/Reading Center.
6. Listening Center.
7. Writing Center.
8. Art Center.
9. Music/Dance Center.
10. Large Motor Center.
11. Manipulative/Math Center.
12. Science Center.
13. Curriculum Planning.

PRESCHOOL APPROPRIATE PRACTICES, 5th Edition, helps future and current teachers create self-directed learning environments in their classrooms. Each chapter helps students learn how to set up one type of learning center (e.g., music/dance), including instructions on what to include in the center and how children can use it. The self-directed learning approach encourages children to become involved in their own learning. A second theme emphasizes the teacher's role as a facilitator, helping readers understand how to: 1) observe children's developmental levels, 2) provide developmentally appropriate activities, 3) serve as a behavior model, and 4) best support children in their learning. Learning activities, some of which incorporate children's picture books, exemplify the NAEYC's developmentally appropriate practice (DAP). Chapters also incorporate NAEYC accreditation criteria. Major sections in each chapter are now organized around specific learning objectives that students will attain by mastering the chapter content. The fourth edition's Chapter 6, "Computer Center," has been eliminated, with relevant content integrated into the remaining chapters. A revised Chapter 6, "Listening Center," takes on greater importance as it describes how to support children's emergent literacy by reading stories from online picture books. New ideas in children's story writing, seldom found elsewhere, make Chapter 7 a standout. This edition is more user-friendly, with new figures and other learning aids that help to break up the text and make it easier for readers to pick out important ideas. Professional Resource Downloads include figures, forms, and other useful documents that are downloadable and often customizable. For example, Chapter 4 includes a guide and chart for students to use outdoors to record observations of trees. The Professional Resource Download label identifies these items throughout the text. End-of-chapter resources include a summary of practical key ideas covered in the chapter, Try It Yourself activities, and a list of relevant children's books. The book serves as a useful and practical resource for teachers at every professional level, encouraging readers to understand their role in the classroom and how to motivate children's self-directed learning. The text reflects the most recent position statements and standards, with frequent references to NAEYC program accreditation standards. NAEYC standards are also listed on the inside covers.