"[This book] examines the costs and benefits of both a targeted and a universal prekindergarten program and shows the positive impact of these programs on the economy, federal and state budgets, and the educational achievement and earnings of children and adults."--Book jacket.

Enriching the Lives of Children is an exploration of innovations in teaching and learning. The book reflects scholarship, synthesis and creativity as the author reviews decades of research and practice on educational and instructional reforms designed to enrich learning and life for children, through novel and stimulating experiences. The author reminds readers of the early notions of learning coming from such great thinkers as Aristotle, Husserl, Vygotsky, Piaget and Bruner; and, the parallels to the thinking of modern constructivist philosophers and teachers today. Teaching for meaning and constructing knowledge and understanding is important. Providing enriching, novel and stimulating instructional and supportive experiences is essential for successful learning and holistic development. The author presents theoretical propositions about the need for authentic pedagogy and whole child development. Moreover, findings reveal that learning does not take place as a separate and isolated event. Brain, body and the developmental domains work together. Attention also is given to the nature and relationship of creativity to learning and development; and, particularly the contributions of play. Interesting suggestions and models from around the world are provided about children’s learning and enrichment, within and outside of the classroom. As a leading scholar and interdisciplinary expert in education, psychology and learning environments across the lifespan, King provides a service to educators, parents and those interested in child development by synthesizing volumes of research into a coherent whole, with excellent suggestive strategies that can be used in educating and raising children. Theoretical insights and strategies found in this book will improve the academy of teaching and learning and serve as a useful resource for educational and childcare professionals, policymakers and parents. For those that care about the future of our children and education, Enriching the Lives of Children is essential reading.

"The information in the book is extremely relevant. With the current demands for educational improvement, leaders in the field are searching for new, innovative means of helping students feel connected to their schools." —Tricia Peña, Principal Cienega High School, Vail, AZ "This book does a good job of explaining the purpose, design, and use of the enrichments and their relationship to the general curriculum." —Laurie Peterman, Instructional Facilitator Anoka-Hennpin ISD #11, Lino Lakes, MN Create an instructional program that can transform every student′s learning experience! How can educators spark an enthusiasm for learning in young people? What can classroom teachers do to promote creativity and innovative thinking? In Enriching Curriculum for All Students, Second Edition, the authors present the Schoolwide Enrichment Model (SEM), a groundbreaking instructional program that reaches all students through hands-on problem solving, high-interest activities, and cooperative learning. The revised edition offers updated research and additional guidelines for implementing lessons to support differentiated and enriching learning opportunities for all learners. Demonstrating how teachers can shift from instructor to coach or mentor, and how students′ minds, spirits, and values can be developed within an invigorating atmosphere, the authors focus on: Developing the talent potential of all students Improving academic performance through meaningful, enjoyable learning Fostering a reflective, growth-oriented staff Honoring ethnic, gender, and cultural diversity Involving students, parents, teachers, and administrators in decision making This vital resource combines inspiration with practical methods and highlights the importance of a versatile and imaginative curriculum that gives all students the opportunity to reach their highest potential.

Eric Jensen—a leading expert in the translation of brain research into education, argues in Enriching the Brain that we greatly underestimate students’ achievement capacity. Drawing from a wide range of neuroscience research as well as related studies, Jensen reveals that the human brain is far more dynamic and malleable than we earlier believed. He offers us a powerful new understanding of how the brain can be “enriched,” across the board to maximize learning, memory, behavior and overall function. The bottom line is we have far more to do with how our children’s brains turn out than we previously thought. Enriching the Brain shows that lasting brain enrichment doesn’t occur randomly through routine or ordinary learning. It requires a specific, and persistent experiences that amount to a “formula” for maximizing brain potential. Parents, teachers and policy-makers would do well to memorize this formula. In fact, the lifelong potential of all school age kids depends on whether or not we use it. Offering an inspiring and innovative set of practices for promoting enrichment in the home, the school, and the classroom, this book is a clarion call. All of us, from teachers to parents to policymakers must take their role as ‘brain shapers’ much more seriously and this book gives the tools with which to do it.

This essential text provides ideas for trainees and teachers to extend both their own teaching and their pupils’ learning in primary English through creative approaches and enrichment strategies to promote best practice and outstanding teaching. The book is accessible to all levels of experience and combines theory with practice throughout, delivering the required subject knowledge while encouraging innovative approaches that demand critical reflection. It looks closely at how young children learn to read and write and how practitioners can enable this development through creative ideas. The book begins with an exploration of the development of speaking and listening skills which form the foundation of successful literacy. Chapters then cover all the key elements of the new curriculum including word reading, reading comprehension, transcription and composition, plus additional material on drama and reading for pleasure. Throughout the book there is a clear progression from KS1 to KS2 and a focus on creativity as a vital ingredient in successful English teaching.

From understanding how the youngest children learn to working with ECE agencies, this practical guide presents the information principals need to create effective early childhood education programs.