NEW - Chapter on the Social Studies is included (Chapter 15)- Helps teachers plan and implement social studies standards in classrooms. (Ex. pp 289). Understanding readiness Discusses theories of readiness and addresses issues surrounding readiness for kindergarten. Teachers will be able to interpret issues surrounding readiness for kindergarten with parents, other teachers and school administrators. (Ex. pp 25, 31). Developmentally appropriate practices.

Provides readers with suggestions for activities to use with four and five year olds that can be used in their future classroom. (Ex. pp 122-123). Kindergarten coverage Addresses planning, scheduling for full and half-day, and assessing kindergarten programs. Offers beginning teachers guidelines for planning, suggested full and half-day schedules and methods of assessment. (Ex. pp 139). Special needs children Integrates additional coverage throughout the text that addresses special needs children with specific experiences and ways of including them.

Teachers will be ready to plan activities and experiences that include all children. (Ex. pp 60-61). Curriculum presented as an integrated whole Covers planning for thematic, project learning, separate chapters on each content area, integration of assessment and evaluation, and the merits and detriments of standardized testing. Being able to plan and implement an integrated curriculum fulfills mandates of school systems and meets NAEYC Accreditation standards. (Ex. pp 131-132, 138). Active Experiences Specific suggestions for teaching content through active experiences are given in each chapter.

Teachers will be able to fulfill the intent of the national standards in separate subject curriculum areas by involving children in meaningful learning experiences. (Ex. pp 199).