1st Edition
Constructivist Teaching by Heart A Child-Centered Approach for Educators, PreK-3
This insightful book offers a modern take on the time-honored tradition of developmentally appropriate, child-centered, constructivist philosophy of instruction: Teaching children one at a time, yet all at once. The book provides a comprehensive road map to teaching that supports student engagement, child development, classroom environment, grouping and organization, authentic literacy instruction, and culturally informed practices.
Through a series of practical chapter essays and examples, the authors push back against scripted curricula and "one-size-fits-all" school initiatives, offering instead rich examples and guiding questions to bring you closer to an authentic teaching approach that honors students and their learning.
Designed for early childhood through third-grade teachers, principals, administrators, and pre-service students, Constructivist Teaching by Heart is essential reading for professional development, peer discussions, university coursework, individual study, and everyone on the journey to making children the heart of their classrooms.
Meet the Authors
Introduction: Are You a Constructivist?
Chapter 1: What is Teaching by Heart?
· Constructivist and Behaviorist: Piaget vs Skinner
· Dispositions
· Common Care Standards
· Engagement is the Heart of Teaching
· The Heart of a Constructivist
Chapter 2: Begin With Child Development
· The American Question: Can We Ignore Development?
· Looking at Students as Individuals: Child Development 101
· Considering Children’s Social and Emotional Development
· Allowing Children to Fail: Who is Really Responsible?
· High and Low: What Do We Mean When We Call Children “Low” or “High”?
· The Heart of Child Development
Chapter 3: One at a Time, All at Once
· A Balanced Schedule
· Classroom Spaces with Heart
· Adapting Materials to a Constructivist Approach
· The Power of Choice
· Project Work
· Assigning vs Teaching
· The Heart of Teaching One at a Time, All at Once
Chapter 4: Literacy with Heart
· Reading Mileage
· Conversations (Not Quizzes) about Books
· Multiple Read Alouds
· Love to Read?
· Teaching Phonics
· Vocabulary in Context
· Reader’s Theater, Book Talks, and Book Reviews (Oh, My!)
· The Heart of Literacy in the Constructivist Classroom
Chapter 5: Culturally Informed Instruction
· Culturally Relevant Teaching
· Windows, Mirrors, and Doorways
· Reaching Families with Heart
· Culturally Informed Instruction with Heart
Chapter 6: Reconsidering Common Practices through a Constructivist Lens
· Grade Level Teams
· Screen Time
· Rewards
· Curriculum
· Motivation
· The Heart of Our Beliefs
Conclusion: From Our Teachers’ Hearts to Yours
Bibliography
Bibliography of Children’s Literature Cited
Biography
Krista Calvert, EdD, is currently an elementary reading specialist in Kansas City, Kansas. She has taught elementary and middle school, served as a literacy coach and a school improvement coach, and led school and district-wide literacy initiatives. She teaches master’s level reading, children’s literature, and literacy intervention courses at Avila University.
Dana McMillan is an education consultant working with educators on student engagement centered around a constructivist theory. Dana has dual degrees in elementary and early childhood education and a master’s degree in literacy education and taught early primary grades. She has consulted on the development of child-centered experiential learning programs for organizations throughout the United States.
‘Perfect for professional learning sessions, this book offers practical examples and experiences to help teachers discuss their questions while reconsidering their beliefs about how children learn.’
Geri Cunningham, Elementary Principal, Kansas City, Kansas
‘Constructivist Teaching by Heart feels like a conversation with the authors without using a lot of educational jargon. It brings back developmentally appropriate, child-centered teaching with practical, relatable examples.’
Rebecca McGregor, 2nd Grade Teacher, Enumclaw, Washington
‘This book reminds us to see school through the eyes of a child who loves to explore, discover, create, and learn. It will remind you of why you fell in love with learning, and show you how to pass on that love to the learners, leaders and thinkers of our next generation. A delightful, thought-provoking, desperately needed resource as we strive to provide the best education for our children.’
Dr. Jennifer Waddell, Director of Teacher Education, University of Missouri – Kansas City
‘This book is full of practical, high-impact teaching ideas that provide opportunities to teach from the heart. The literature connections lists are pure gold.’
Christi Clayton, Language Instructional Coach, Olathe, Kansas
‘I wish I had this book when I started teaching!’
Judy Fink, Kindergarten Teacher, Kansas City, Missouri
