The Project Approach for All Learners ― A Hands-on Guide for Inclusive Early Childhood Classrooms

Includes a complete package of training and implementation materials!

A proven and popular teaching method, the Project Approach engages the natural curiosity of children through in-depth investigations of topics that capture their interest. Now there's a guidebook that helps you use this child-centered approach to reach and teach all learners in your early childhood classroom—regardless of background or ability.

Developed by a team of experts that includes Project Approach leader Lilian G. Katz, this book is your go-to guide to implementing project-based learning in inclusive early childhood classrooms. You'll discover how to support diverse groups of students as they study real world topics that fascinate them, play detective with peers to find answers to questions, and show what they've learned in interesting and creative ways. You'll also get practical, start-to-finish guidance on how to apply the Project Approach, including a complete package of training materials, examples of successful projects from real inclusive classrooms, and a Project Approach Implementation Checklist that helps you use the approach effectively.

LEARN HOW TO:

• Use the Project Approach in combination with universal design for learning (UDL) strategies


• Choose a compelling project topic that encourages hands-on learning in inclusive settings


• Teach children effective strategies for investigating the topic and conducting research


• Build on children's natural motivation by actively engaging and listening to them


• Make the most of each child's individual strengths and expertise during project work


• Support children in representing their learning through displays and presentations


• Offer accommodations and supports that meet diverse learning needs

TRAINING & IMPLEMENTATION MATERIALS: You'll master each step of the Project Approach with the comprehensive package of supplementary materials, including the Project Approach Implementation Checklist, sample completed checklists, 37 video clips that illustrate key concepts, 22 PowerPoint presentations on important elements of the Project Approach, and six sets of training materials that correspond with each chapter. Supplementary materials are available online to purchasers of the book.

Dr. Beneke's educational background and research focus on the potential of the Project Approach to support high quality inclusion in early childhood education. Professor Beneke's interests are inspired by the many years she spent teaching in inclusive classrooms, administering early childhood education programs, providing professional development to teachers in the field, and studying curriculum and instruction as well as special education. She is committed to responsive teaching that engages the interest and motivation of all learners in early childhood settings.

Dr. Michaelene M. Ostrosky is the Head of the Department of Special Education at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Her educational background and research focuses on early childhood special education with a particular interest in social emotional competence; social interaction and peer relationships; challenging behavior; and communication delays and disabilities. As a former teacher of young children with disabilities, Professor Ostrosky is committed to making research accessible to practitioners and family members through her writing and presentations.

Dr. Lilian G. Katz is an international leader in early childhood education who played a major role in bringing project work to the attention of US teachers. She taught at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign for more than three decades and directed the ERIC Clearinghouse on Elementary and Early Childhood Education (ERIC/EECE) for more than 30 years. Professor Katz has lectured in all 50 states and in 43 countries. Dr. Katz has authored more than 150 publications, and she founded two journals, and Early Childhood Research & Practice.

Susan Fowler has written about and conducted research in early childhood special education for the past 40 years, focusing often on issues related to the inclusion of young children in community programs and their transition across programs and services. She has been active in translating research to practice and developing materials to guide parents and teachers in enhancing the social development and engagement of young children.