Adventures with Children

Sound Bite

Adventures with Children in the Early School Years was written to give parents and educators a lively and accurate picture of the child's transition to school and what that entails, and what good nursery and kindergarten experiences might provide for young children. The author describes the role and characteristics of teachers working with young children, and the role of adults more generally in children's exploratory learning, and covers a wide range of teaching methodologies.

About the Book

Adventures with Children in the Early School Years is a seminal book that shares the wisdom of a lifetime devoted to early childhood education, addressing the development and needs of children, the role of educators, and the learning environment. The book has been chosen by Directors of many Head Start and full-day programs and as a guide for private day-care centers.Adventures with Children in the Early School Years was written to give parents and educators a lively and accurate picture of what good nursery and kindergarten experiences might provide for young children. There is really no such thing as “pre-school”, as children two years old to six are at a crucial learning phase already, and very different learning experiences are appropriate for children aged two, four or six. Many experienced teachers have contributed observations about how children learn from active, first-hand sensory experiences, to help teachers in training explore attitudes and activities that contribute toward the child’s healthy development.The author discusses the experiences and evolving needs of young children in a school setting, emphasizing the importance of play, exploration, and social interactions, an exploration of nature, along with music and other creative arts. Original storytelling and participating in dramatic play contribute to language development and are essential components of early learning. She then highlights the role of teachers as guides and co-explorers who facilitate children's learning by providing a supportive environment that encourages questioning, creativity, and self-discovery.The book outlines various aspects of a child's experience in school, including routines, rules, how to settle conflicts between childrenX, and the significance of dramatic play, physical development, and creative arts in fostering growth. It addresses the emotional needs of children, emphasizing the importance of allowing them to express their feelings and the necessity of building trust and confidence between children and adults.The author also touches on the significance of community and cultural understanding, as children bring diverse backgrounds into their interactions, which can lead to rich discussions about identity, beliefs, and experiences.These are some of the key topics covered:The role and characteristics of teachers working with young children  The child's transition to school and what that entails  Developmental milestones for nursery school kids  Setting rules and guidelines for behavior in school settings  Daily routines in nursery and kindergarten  The importance and role of dramatic play in children's learning  Physical development and activities that support it  Managing conflicts among children  Creative arts and their significance in child development  The role of music in early education  Language development and storytelling -  Encouraging original storytelling among children  Exploring nature and its lessons  The broader context of kindergarten and early childhood education  Special days and deep thoughts related to childhood - Celebrations such as birthdays and farewellsAuthor Elsa Barnouw was a pioneer in the field of early childhood education, and many of her theories remain cornerstones of the profession to this day. Convinced that children are naturally creative and possess an innate love of learning, she was engaged in teaching and in school administration for most of the 20th century. Educated at Horace Mann School for Girls and Mt. Holyoke, she graduated from Teachers College at Columbia; Barnouw opened a nursery school in Manhattan, where enjoyment of her work kept her young to the age of 102.