Implementing Project Based Learning in Early Childhood

Many people underestimate the ability to do real Project Based Learning (PBL) in an early childhood classroom. They think of it as cutesy or PBL-lite. This book turns that misconception upside down. These early childhood authors are prolific in both their depth of understanding PBL and in their intention of thoughtfully creating a fieldbook guide for their readers to successfully implement PBL in their own classrooms. This book is full of real classroom narrative, examples and practical tools that teachers are going to savor. It's also sophisticated enough to be utilized as a university-level text because of the authors' efforts to provide readers with common misconceptions as well as the research and pedagogical foundations supporting PBL - something that is often missing in many PBL publications. It's a must read for not only early childhood educators, but also for PBL coaches, elementary principals and curriculum leaders. Even though it is geared toward early childhood educators, teachers across the PK-16 continuum could benefit from its richness. -Teresa Dempsey, Ph.D., PBLWorks National Faculty, Director of PBLMatters, Fairfield County Educational Service Center, Lancaster, OH. If you are looking for a book that makes Project Based Learning both reachable and applicable to you and your students, you have found it! Not only is the theory, value and background information behind PBL explained but the reader is also guided with real-life classroom examples and situations. It brings PBL to life! -Kari DeJong, Classroom Teacher