I've been getting a monthly e-newsletter from a group called : The Search Institute. I think I found it from a link from the Child Care Information Exchange's, "Daily Exchange" email. What first attracted me was some information called "The 40 Developmental Assets" . The Search Institute has identified these developmental building blocks that help children grow up healthy, caring and responsible. They have identified 40 assets for early childhood, middle childhood and adolesence. You can get these lists at
http://www.search-institute.org/assets/forty.htm . Now there is a book called "Great Preschools". "Written by experts in early childhood education, this practical, easy-to-use guidebook provides preschool educators with information and a plan to promote healthy development in a body- and mind-nurturing environment. Explanations on what young children need from their families, teachers, and caregivers teach adults how to help preschoolers develop the social, mental, and emotional competencies they need to succeed and thrive." You can download some sample pages at
I think it is worth a look. Some of the latest research I've been reading says that the most successful people in the 21st century will be those that excel in the social & emotional areas.
Here are a couple of quotes that I really appreciated.
"Early childhood is a confusing time for children because
they are making huge leaps in all areas of development—
cognitive, physical, social, and emotional—but
not necessarily in equal degrees. Although it is important
to help a child progress through each of these developmental
areas, it is most vital to build the strong
social and emotional skills that directly affect healthy
cognitive and physical growth and are the foundation
for future success in school and in life."
" Undirected play is initiated among peers. Play
with peers is extremely effective and helps
children learn important lessons about self-regulation
and problem solving, and develop a
host of interpersonal skills. It typically takes
about 20 minutes for a preschooler to settle on
and engage in a particular activity. It is
when they are engaged that they learn
most effectively. As you plan your students’
day, be intentional about building
in adequate time for undirected play."
Of course we are always attracted to things we agree with and things that reinforce our long held beliefs. It feels good and powerful to know you are right! lol
I think teachers will find the resource pages and the home link activities very useful. You are probably already doing many things that promote the 40 assets in young children and this book will also allow you to feel good and powerful in the rightness of your cause! Play on!
