Bridging

Designed for trainee and practising teachers of children ages 3-8, this two volume set provides the rationale and theoretical foundation for the assessment system the authors have developed, including 15 carefully designed assessment activities, guidance on how to implement them, how to interpret the results, and how to "bridge" them to shape classroom teaching practices. The activities cover diverse curricular areas, including English and literacy, visual arts, mathematics, sciences, and performing arts. Each activity is described in terms of the standard components of early childhood curricula: (1) the key concepts and skills in specific content areas; (2) the materials, procedures, and strategies for implementation; and (3) extensions to further teaching opportunitiesThe assessment process provides information on what young children know, but in a context and format that give teachers the ability to adjust their instructional approach to improve children's learning opportunities.