Resource Books

Whether at home, in care environments, or at school, using digital tablets with interactive apps can open children's minds to their own capabilities and worlds of fun! This valuable guide offers educators and families expert advice on making smart choices about technology with young children. "Buckleitner's Guide to Using Tablets with Young Children" simplifies the shopping process, describes which apps are age appropriate, clarifies how to find educational apps on particular subjects,… More »

3 years & up. Loaded with over 450 activities that allow children to learn at their own pace about spatial relationships, patterning, shapes, numeration, and many other math concepts. 272 pages.

Parenting isn't always the joy it's made out to be. On the contrary, many parents feel they are struggling to maintain their sanity and control of their young children's behaviors. Offering realistic, practical advice for parents who want the joy back in parenting. Instead of getting bogged down in negative cycles, the book will help readers leave those behavior struggles behind and turn children on to cooperation and respect. The book will also help adults model their "best self" and… More »

Each book is written just for that particular age group. From autumn leaves to recycling games these resource books are sure to be a favorite. Contains over 600 activities written by teachers to discover new ways to use everyday items to create fresh exciting projects. Also includes management techniques and helpful tips for working with a certain age group.

"Jump into Science" is the perfect way to turn children's love of active games into learning opportunities! The activities in each chapter are organized by level of difficulty and each one incorporates fun, exciting science experiences with movement. Most activities require few or no materials and include related children's books or music to extend the learning. The science skills index is an invaluable reference tool giving teachers flexibility to plan around children's interests. Paperback. 132 pages.

3 years & up. Leave your fears of science behind! Respond to children's natural curiosity with over 600 teacher-created, classroom-tested activities guaranteed to teach your children all about science while they are having fun. The result of a nationwide contest, the GIANT Encyclopedia of Science joins our bestselling GIANT Encyclopedia series. 575 pages.

Through the activities in this book, teachers and caregivers are shown how easy it is to foster children's sense of curiosity through group explorations that promote social connection and positive development. With step-by-step instructions, "Getting to the Heart of Learning' weaves social-emotional learning into activities that support math, science, literacy, and motor skills. Rather than adding in activities throughout the day, these explorations integrate social-emotional learning across… More »

Many Languages, One Classroom applies the latest information about best practices to all aspects of a preschool program. Designed to fit any preschool curriculum, this book addresses state standards and benchmarks of standard quality programming. Organized by interest areas and times of the day, you'll find everything you need to help English language learners during dramatic play, outdoor play, reading, science, blocks, and circle time. Each chapter is broken down into several sections: the environment,… More »

Babies are naturally active, and their movements help them explore their environment. They first move involuntarily, based on reflexes, and then learn to move more independently as their bodies grow stronger and they begin to investigate the world around them. You can encourage their muscle development, strength and balance with simple activities done with infants as young as six weeks old. Paperback. 96 pages.

30 Fun Ways to Learn with Blocks and Boxes is full of small group and individual activities that explore construction, collaborative play, and basic math concepts. From building basic models and mazes to constructing complex stairs and bridges, these activities ignite children's imaginations and engage their creativity and critical thinking. 80 pages. Paperback.

With new activities and explorations, tips and information to help you understand how to support the littlest learners, and research nuggets to enhance your own professional knowledge, the Encyclopedia of Infant and Toddler Activities, revised, will be your go-to resource! Activities will help you support curiosity, play, exploration, persistence, emerging foundations in literacy and math, problem solving, and so much more! Paperback. 288 pages.

Early childhood is a critical time in human development. Understanding and supporting children's wellness early on can make the greatest impact on physical, social and emotional, and cognitive health throughout childhood and adulthood. This book provides a comprehensive collection of checklists and research-based information to help you evaluate and improve wellness in your program, making it a safe, happy place for each person -- child and adult -- who passes through the doors. The checklists cover… More »

50 great ways to create with lace, string, fabric, glue, and other simple materials. Encourage children to experience the joy of exploration and discovery with this view series by MaryAnn Kohl. Make art fun and accessible to children of all ages with these creative, easy-to-do activities! Paperback. 64 pages.

This book includes over 600 math activities organized by curriculum area or time of the day. Each activity is complete with math concepts, materials needed, and step-by-step instructions. It is easy for the teacher and children to have fun learning new concepts. 528 pages.

Children can make 150 edible activities. 89 activities require no baking, 64 activities use 5 ingredients or less, and 25 activities require only 10-15 minutes to prepare. 13 different food categories are represented with icons. The 12 theme-related chapters include Shapes & Forms, Numbers & Letters, Transportation & Travel, Building & Construction and Animals & Creatures. Paperback, 192 pages

Based on her popular Pre-K Now blog, Sophia Pappas' book Good Morning, Children provides an up-close and personal view of the challenges and successes of a beginning teacher. The book describes daily encounters with students, family members, and administrators; reflects on the state of early childhood education in America; and celebrates the ways the pre-K teacher can help prepare every child to succeed in both school and life. Paperback. 192 pages.

Counting is the foundation for future math learning. Pairing and sorting objects, understanding numbers and quantity, and counting can all be introduced with simple activities. 30 Fun Ways to Learn About Counting brings these skills into the classroom with fun and engaging games and activities! 80 pages. Paperback.

This book will take educators step by step through the process of managing assessment. It explains the terminology involved, shows how to turn 'observation' into 'assessment' and outlines how to manage and interpret all the information gathered. An essential book for all early childhood educators. 128 pages.

Grounded in best practices and current research, this hands-on resource connects the dots that link brain activity, motor and sensory development, movement, and early learning. The expert authors unveil the Kinetic Scale: a visual map of the active learning needs of infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and primary graders that fits each child's individual timetable. Teachers, parents, and caregivers will find a wealth of information, actionable tips, and games they can use to support children's healthy… More »

3 years & up. A comprehensive collection of the best art and craft activities for young children! These teacher created, classroom-tested art activities will engage children's imaginations! The result of a nationwide competition, these art and craft activities are the best of the best. Paperback 500 pages.

Recent research has drawn the link between children's brain development and time spent in the natural environment. Every child deserves a safe play to play, supportive adults to watch him grow, and an environment that offers them endless possibilities. In "Seasons of Play," Rusty Keeler takes readers on a photographic journey through real child care centers that have embraced his philosophy that natural play environments create new opportunities for children to explore and grow. This book… More »

Based on census and population data, it is likely that one or more gender-expansive or LGBTQIA+ child is enrolled in every early education program in the country. Guidance for Supporting Gender Diversity in Early Childhood Education is a starting point--a primer--for early educators who are interested in learning more about working with and supporting young gender-diverse children and their families. With a focus on understanding children's gender development, this groundbreaking guide reflects… More »

The differences between boys and girls, in development and attitude to learning are well documented, and a formalized early curriculum emphasizes these differences. The abilities of most girls to meet goals for learning at an earlier age may result in a tendency to focus on trying to teach boys to learn like girls, instead of recognizing their unique gifts and abilities. Dispels the myths about 'under-achievement', challenges stereotypical view of gender, and recognizes the unqiue stregths and abilities… More »

Parents and caregivers often seek ways to stimulate their little learners, but don't know where to start. While many conveniences have come our way in the digital age, none has made the process of guiding children through their years of growth and development any quicker, easier or less complex. Fun Baby Learning Games brings a new approach to having fun and learning: incorporate theory and research-backed activities in a fun and engaging way, help your infant or toddler nurture his/her skills and… More »