The View from the Little Chair in the Corner

This is a down-to-earth, heart-to-heart book about what it takes to be an exceptional early childhood teacher. The author uses her experience as a classroom observer and a developmental psychologist to create a rationale for best practice—the reasoning behind the best (worst, and average) classroom practice. Cindy Rzasa Bess examines a variety of classroom scenarios and describes how teaching was done well or how it could be done better. She clearly illustrates how simple changes and heart-felt efforts can have outstanding results. This informative book will appeal to readers on a personal level and instill in them the need to fully understand their important roles in a child’s life.

Book Features:

• A brief overview of the stages of early childhood development.
• Detailed descriptions of high-quality early childhood education settings and materials.
• Strategies for engaging children in center-based learning.
• Descriptions of effective communications styles and teaching approaches.
• Examples of the importance of humor when teaching young children.

Cindy Rzasa Bess is a developmental psychologist, an education consultant, and a lecturer who conducts workshops throughout the northeastern United States. She was a Trainer of Trainers in the ECERS-R ( Early Childhood Environment Rating Scale–Revised) for the State Department of Education in Connecticut.

“This thoughtful guide will serve as an inspiration for prospective teachers, as a reaffirmation for veteran teachers, and as a window into the complexities of the classroom for parents.”
—Leonard W. Hamilton, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey