Catering to the first time teacher, the authors provide day to day challenges of what it means to teach young children in the classroom, while fostering a mentoring environment for pre-service teachers entering the field. Chapter 4 addresses children with special needs and commonly used modifications for each of the disabilities. A unique chapter on teaching fourth graders (chapter 10) has been included that may be covered or skipped, depending upon state requirements. Lesson planning is emphasized throughout and sample lesson plans and mini-lessons have been included for every grade level and subject area.