Twelve Best Practices for Early Childhood Education: Integrating Reggio and Other Inspired Approaches - Paperback

by Ann Lewin-Benham (Author), Howard Gardner (Foreword by), Sharon Ryan (Editor)

In her new book, popular author Ann Lewin-Benham draws on her intimate knowledge and experience with the Reggio Approach to present 12 "best practices" inspired not only by Reggio, but also by play-based and Montessori approaches to early childhood education. These practices are demonstrated, one per chapter, with scenarios from classrooms, dialogues of children and teachers, and work samples showing the outcome of using each practice. Used together, the 12 best practices offer a new framework for early education.

Written in the accessible style that her readers appreciate, this book expands on Lewin-Benham's earlier works by showing the foundations for teachers to practice the Reggio Approach in their own settings. It introduces several new techniques: fostering language skills through Meaningful Conversation, designing inspiring environments, switching from a scheduled to an Open Flow day, using materials to build brain networks and stimulate Significant Work, and much more.

This important resource also includes a self-assessment tool, EXCEL, to assist you in examining your practices and those of your school. All chapters include key points and questions to help readers think more deeply about the material presented.

Author Biography

Ann Lewin-Benham founded and for 20 years directed the Capital Children's Museum in Washington, DC, where she also founded and directed the Model Early Learning Center, the only U.S. preschool accredited by Reggio educators. Her books include Possible Schools; Powerful Children; Infants and Toddlers at Work; Twelve Best Practices for Early Education; and What Learning Looks Like (with Reuven Feuerstein). For information about Ann's teacher workshops visit her website: AnnLewin-Benham.com.