Synopses & Reviews
This book invites all children to learn and play in learning centers. Research has clearly shown that play in centers helps young children learn language, develop social skills, and enhance cognitive understanding. Children with special needs can actively participate and use materials that interest them. This stimulates brain connections in young children.
This book includes:
- 31 practical and appropriate learning centers to use with young children with special needs.
- Learning objectives, materials needed, vocabulary enrichment, literacy connections, drawings of center layouts, activities, and evaluation methods are included for each center.
- Specific adaptations to the environment so each activity will work effectively for children with a variety of special needs.
- Specific suggestions for the following categories of special needs: speech and language problems, Autism Spectrum Disorder, physical challenges, developmental and/or cognitive delays, behavioral challenges, and visual challenges.
- Opportunities to promote all areas of development in young children, including language, gross motor, fine motor, social-emotional, cognitive, and self-care.
- Open-ended activities, allowing children of different abilities and challenges to work side-by-side. For example, a child who has a speech and language delay may work alongside a child who is more advanced in vocabulary and communication. In this environment, both children gain, as they listen, interact, and adjust.
This book provides teachers with valuable information so they can use centers effectively with children who have special needs in the classroom. By using the adaptations, teachers will be able to work to meet the individualized needs of each young child. This book considers specific learning objectives and evaluation methods that are appropriate for each child. The recommendations provided are designed to assist teachers in the development of Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) for preschoolers with special needs.
Review
"Any teacher who wants to use developmentally appropriate practices to include children with special needs in learning centers will find this a necessary addition to the library." - Dimensions
Review
"The Inclusive Learning Center Book focuses on interest centers. It offers an overview of traditional centers - block, library, and writing, for example. It also gives an overview of more unconventional centers, such as the private place, the tactile center, and the ball center. Each center descriptions contains learning objectives, lists of props that support discovery, curriculum connections, and a sampling of activities and appropriate accommodations. Inclusive Lesson Plans and The Inclusive Learning Center Book share a significant strength. They are both enthusiastic about helping teachers building meaningful preschool experiences for every child - and offer tools to help every teacher succeed. The introductions of both books review the basics of early childhood education. Each offers both experienced and novice teachers ideas for expanding traditional themes. Both books provide guidance on modifications and accommodations for chidren with disabilities. But most importantly, both ofer support to programs and teachers who want to make the successful inclusion of children with disabilities a hallmark of their work." - Texas Child Care
Synopsis
The Inclusive Learning Center Book is designed for teachers and directors who work with all young children, including those with special needs. Offering both traditional and unique centers, the plans for each center include learning objectives, letters to parents, layout, vocabulary, props, activities, and literacy connections. The final section has assessment and evaluation tools. The activities in the 31 learning centers include ways to adapt each center for children with a variety of special needs, such as physical challenges, speech and language problems, developmental and/or cognitive delays, behavioral challenges, visual challenges, and autism spectrum disorder.
Synopsis
Easy learning center adaptations that include children with special needs.
Synopsis
The Inclusive Learning Center Book is designed for teachers and directors who work with all young children. Offering both traditional and unique centers, the activities in each center have adaptations for children with special needs.
About the Author
Christy Isbell, PhD, OT, is the program director and associate professor for the Occupational Therapy Program at Milligan College in Tennessee. She teaches child development, human development, and pediatric therapy courses for the Masters of Occupational Therapy Program. Isbell is Board Certified in Pediatrics and maintains speciality training in sensory integration and neuro-developmental treatment techniques. Rebecca Isbell, Ph.D., is Director of the Center of Excellence in Early Childhood Learning and Development. Additionally, Rebecca designed a statewide training program for early childhood educators, and has written several books, including The Inclusive Learning Center Book. She is a sought-after presenter and keynote speaker for regional, national, and international early childhood conferences and training meetings.