EARLY EDUCATION CURRICULUM: A CHILD'S CONNECTION TO THE WORLD focuses on the role of observation and assessment in early childhood programming, the process of planning and implementing a curriculum, setting up an inclusive child-centered environment, and the uses of evaluation and documentation for continuous program improvement. Updated with current research and standards, the text continues to present new material on brain research that underlies teaching ideas as well as information on reflective practice, intentional teaching, and using the environment as a teaching tool. The seventh edition includes more material on diversity and diversity strategies, activity plans for different age groups, and more floor plans. New case studies provide examples of how activities planned align with specific standards, and allow students to apply knowledge gained to real-life situations. The book retains its strong applied focus on the how-to's of teaching, with many hands-on teaching tips.

Part I: PREPARING FOR LEARNING THROUGH ASSESSMENT, CURRICULUM, AND THE ENVIRONMENT.
1. Starting the Process.
2. Observation and Assessment.
3. Creating Curriculum.
4. The Learning Environment.
Part II: DISCOVERING AND EXPANDING THE EARLY EDUCATION CURRICULUM.
5. Language and Literacy.
6. Creativity: Art and Music.
7. The Child's World: Social Studies and Dramatic Play.
8. Sensory Play.
9. Science.
10. Math.
11. Fine Motor and Manipulative Play.
12. Large Motor and Outdoor Play.
13. Construction: Blocks and Woodworking.
14. Putting It All Together: Evaluation and Documentation.
Appendix A: My Self: Integrated Theme-Based Unit Ideas.
Appendix B: Activities and Songs.
Appendix C: Songs and Poems.
Appendix D: Forms.
Appendix E: Resources for Teachers.
Appendix F: Additional Standards by Chapter including Common Core State Contact Information.
Appendix G: Professional Organizations.
Glossary.
References.
Index.

EARLY EDUCATION CURRICULUM: A CHILD'S CONNECTION TO THE WORLD focuses on the role of observation and assessment in early childhood programming, the process of planning and implementing a curriculum, setting up an inclusive child-centered environment, and the uses of evaluation and documentation for continuous program improvement. Updated with current research and standards, the text continues to present new material on brain research that underlies teaching ideas as well as information on reflective practice, intentional teaching, and using the environment as a teaching tool. The seventh edition includes more material on diversity and diversity strategies, activity plans for different age groups, and more floor plans. New case studies provide examples of how activities planned align with specific standards, and allow students to apply knowledge gained to real-life situations. The book retains its strong applied focus on the how-to's of teaching, with many hands-on teaching tips. Updated chapter-opening Student Learning Outcomes are correlated to main sections of the chapter, guiding students' reading and showing them what they need to learn, process, and understand in the chapter. The outcomes are linked to new numbered chapter summary points that appear in a question-and-answer format, reinforcing students' knowledge and skills. Standards-related coverage (NAEYC, DAP, InTASC, NSES, Common Core, ILA, NVAS, NSME, and Head Start) is integrated throughout the text. Each chapter opener lists the standards to be addressed in the upcoming material, and relevant content throughout the chapter is identified by an icon. A multi-page correlation chart on the inside front and back covers links each of the main standards (NAEYC, DAP, InTASC, and Head Start) to related content within the textbook chapters. This feature helps faculty to identify standards that are emphasized in each chapter and those standards' relationship to other major standards. A new Case Study feature provides examples of how planned activities align with specific standards as well as opportunities for students to apply knowledge they have gained to resolve real-life situations. The TeachSource Video Case boxes (one per chapter) that were integrated throughout the text now reside in the MindTap® digital product as the second activity in the learning path. Video Cases enable students to engage with the chapter in an interesting manner, activate relevant prior knowledge, and begin to build foundational understanding of the chapter content. The updated Appendix F, Additional Standards by Chapter, contains contact information for the Common Core standards and for the state standards sites that do not use the common core. This allows teachers and students to be able to easily access their state's standards to use in creating curriculum. Updated research, national standards, NAEYC guidelines, and Developmentally Appropriate Practices assure that students and experienced teachers alike gain knowledge of current thinking regarding the early childhood curriculum. The inclusion of developmentally appropriate activities helps readers translate theory and research into practical application. Reflective Review Questions at the end of each chapter help students check their understanding. Explorations activities involve students in active learning; for instance, students might be asked to plan a fine motor activity for young children, or use an environment checklist to conduct an observation of an early childhood learning environment. The book incorporates an up-to-date emphasis on multicultural/anti-bias curriculum; authentic observation, assessment, and evaluation; special needs adaptations and modifications; guidance techniques; and technology.