The self-directed learning environment -- The teacher's role -- Blocks -- Computers -- Math -- Books -- Writing -- Art -- Music -- Science -- Dramatic play -- Large-motor coordination -- Curriculum planning.

Unique alignment of chapters for each of the 13 learning centers in a preschool classroom make PRESCHOOL APPROPRIATE PRACTICES, 4th Edition a must have resource for preschool teachers. Emphasis is placed on setting up preschool centers for self-directed learning, treating the teacher as a facilitator. Creative ideas for involving children in all aspects of their learning, including rule making and curriculum planning, are found throughout the book. These activities integrate with the National Association for the Education of Young Children's (NAEYC) developmentally appropriate practice (DAP), a nationally recommended set of early childhood practices. Available with InfoTrac Student Collections http://gocengage.com/infotrac.

Review "I really like her writing style--it's very personal and inviting. It really helps the readers put themselves in the place of the children rather than viewing the classroom environment from teachers' points of view. The author asks lots of questions, which help the readers reflect upon our experiences as pre- or in-service teachers and our interactions with children. I think this book is written in a way that is easy to read with lots of practical information and visual images." About the Author Janice Beaty, Ph.D. is a Professor Emerita at Elmira College and a member of the National Association for the Education of Young Children, the National Education Association, and the Kappa Delta Pi Honor Society in Education. She has been named to the Who's Who of American Women 2006, 2007; Who's Who in America 2007, 2008; and Who's Who in American Education 1992-93, 1994-95, and 2007. Dr. Beaty has authored several other publications in Early Childhood Education.