The goal of this book is to help teachers assess where they are in their current teaching goals and become more intentional and organized in planning. Teachers can begin with tools they already have and build on previous activities that worked well. Great lesson planning helps teachers to choose a range of strategies that match what children are learning and doing —from directed mini-lessons to facilitated group activities. Each chapter provides a wealth of tips and ideas. The strategies discussed in each chapter helps build a toolbox with tips that match each teacher’s approach.

Child-centered lesson planning provides a system to strengthen teaching. In each chapter contains step-by-step hints and action steps to make the most of your unique setting. You will explore new ways to:

Build on early learning guidelines and standards to maximize planning and communication.
Identify learning goals for materials, activities, routines, and interactions.
Design dramatic play themes that relate to daily life, families, cultures, and communities.
Infuse vocabulary to scaffold language development.
Support executive function skills and self-regulation.
Activate emotion coaching goals.
Evaluate and adapt spaces and materials to address physical needs.
Meet the linguistic and social needs of dual language learners.
Prepare meaningful and stimulating cognitive experiences.
Connect content skills, language, and literacy to dramatic play.
Integrate family engagement as a strength and asset for development and learning.
Communicate effectively with colleagues to ensure high-quality learning experiences.