Book and DVD



Download the instructor's guide, a sample chapter, and the table of contents from this book! Adobe Reader is required.

Learn how to replicate a thoughtfully designed, developmentally appropriate learning environment—one in which young children are engaged in responsive, nurturing relationships with caregivers and peers. Second Home offers an intimate account of a typical day in such a setting. Age-specific chapters describe children's interactions with teachers and peers and the teachers' roles in creating a rich, harmonious environment for play. Also discussed are:

* the history and theory behind play-based, child-centered teaching
* the importance of routines, rules, and transitions
* how to build trusting family-teacher relationships
* how to train and inspire staff

The accompanying DVD offers on-site vignettes that vividly illustrate the teaching concepts, as well as a video that provides an overview of BlueSkies for Children, a culturally diverse early childhood program in Oakland, California.