When Teachers Reflect Journeys Toward Effective Inclusive Practice

Description

On the premise that hearing other preschool teachers talk about their challenges in creating inclusive settings is a powerful impetus to reflect about one's own teaching practice, this book contains personal narratives by 18 teachers about their journeys toward inclusive, developmentally appropriate practice in early childhood education. The book's "Prologue" (S. Klein, L. Tertell, J. Jewett) provides a frame for discussing issues related to change and describes the context within which the teachers' stories emerged. Each of the book's seven chapters includes reflections of several teachers focusing on a particular theme identified by the communities participating in the Best Practices in Integration Outreach Project. The chapters are: (1) "Play" (S. Callas, J. Bruns Mellinger, M. King-Taylor); (2) "Guidance" (K. Boulden, K. Hiester, B. Walti); (3) "Individualizing" (S. Pieples, M. Lowe); (4) "Include Everyone" (S. Holliday, D. Miller Parker); (5) "Emergent Curriculum" (B. Julovich, T. Heyob); (6) "Working with Families" (G. Fischer, B. Murray); and (7) "Collaboration" (M. Horn, S. Pluckebaum, B. Bandera, P. Burke). Each chapter closes with questions or activities related to issues arising from the chapter's topic; the activities are designed to be used individually, in groups, or in training sessions. The book's appendix describes reflective change techniques. Each chapter contains resources. (KB)