Blocks and Beyond

Book excerpt: Spatial development should be part of every young child's education, it's linked with higher achievement not just in math and science, but across all academic areas. Now early childhood educators have a guidebook to help them seamlessly integrate spatial learning into their everday curriculum. Focussing on areas key to academic success - math, science, art and literature, and social studies - early childhood expert May Jo Pollman gives teachers research-based insights and ready-to-use activities for promoting children's spatial development throughout the school day. Develped for use with children in preschool through third grade, this innovative teacher training resource: helps children progress in specific areas; improves teacher quality; strengthens the home-school learning connection; uses easy-to-find materials; is fully supported by the latest research and highly respected educational theories; and provides a foundation for later success in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields. A great inservice professional development resource and an essential text for preservice teachers, this book is key to creating a curriculum that actively promotes spatial develoment and sets the stage for strong math, science, and other academic skills.