High-Quality Early Learning for a Changing World: Images of Possibilities

Session Type: Invited Speaker Session

Abstract

An explosion of research across many disciplines has led to heightened understanding of the importance of the early years in shaping life-long learning and development. This has led to an expansion of early childhood education, particularly universal prekindergarten in New York and other cities.

This session offers images of what research-based, high quality early learning
looks like. It shares documentation of how culturally, linguistically, and socially/emotionally responsive, experiential learning activities nurture young children’s development of 21st century skills and dispositions. Videos of teachers in preK-1st grade classrooms will be shared, followed by discussion from the teachers themselves and the videographer, as well as commentary about how the showcased principles of practice are relevant to the universal preK/early childhood expansion.

Sub Unit

• AERA Presidential Session

Chair

• Beverly Falk, City College of New York - CUNY

Papers

• Walking Alongside the Learner: Curriculum in Yvonne's Pre-K Classroom - Yvonne Smith, Central Park East 1 Elementary School

• Choice Time in Fanny Roman's Kindergarten Classroom: Nurturing Learning Through Inquiry and Play - Fanny Roman, PS 244 - The Active Learning Elementary School

• The Bronx River Study: Launching the School Year in Jessica's and Andrene's First-Grade Classroom - Jessica Lawrence, Bronx Community Charter School; Andrene Robinson, Bronx Community Charter School

Discussants

• Jacqueline Jones, Foundation for Child Development

• Meryl Feigenberg, Videographer