Use these activities to help children navigate daily transitions, to calm children when it's time to quiet, and to develop children's creativity, sense of self, and social-emotional, physical, and literacy skills (and have a lot of fun along the way).

From the time of their birth, children want to know how the world works and actively seek out information. How educators respond to their quest is what this book is all about.

Understand the value of connecting animals and children. From family pets and wild animals to toys, stuffed animals, and media images, animals are a central part of every child’s landscape. This book examines the reasons why children should interact and connect with real animals, and it identifies the rich learning that results.

Lisa Murphy outlines nine characteristics programs need to build an environment that's child-centered, where play, developmentally appropriate practice, and academic standards all come together under one roof.