Eager to Learn: Educating our Preschoolers

Author: Bowman, B.T., Donovan, M.S., & Burns, M.S. (Eds.)
Publisher: National Academy Press
Publication Date: 2000
Publication City: Washington
Publication State: DC
Full text available online at: http://www.nap.edu/books/0309068363/html/

Abstract (written by WestEd)

This book synthesizes the most current literature and research on how children, ages 2-5, begin the learning process. Stressing that care and education cannot be separated at this early age, the report calls for early childhood setting that support the development of the full range of capacities (linguistic, conceptual, social, emotional, and motor competence) and will establish a foundation for future school learning. Eager to Learn pays particular attention to the:

  • science of learning for young children
  • individual and cultural variations among children
  • features of quality preschool programs
  • curriculum and pedagogy for early childhood education
  • assessment in early childhood education
  • preparation of early childhoods professionals
  • program and practice standards
The book concludes with nineteen recommendations that fall into four areas:
  1. teacher professional development
  2. research-based teaching materials
  3. development of public policies that support quality preschool
  4. making recent understandings of development in the preschool years common knowledge to the public



Find all Resources by Topic

Would you like to see all of SchoolsMovingUp's offerings by topic? Go to our Topics section to see Webinars, Tips to Go, Schools on the Move, Districts on the Move and more organized by topic.

From WestEd.org

Education Policy and Practice: Bridging the Divide

There has long been a troubling divide between education policy and practice — and meaningful school reform efforts have suffered as a consequence. WestEd contributors to this volume, Cynthia Greenleaf and Ruth Schoenbach, join some of the most influential voices in education, including Lisa Delpit, Sonia Nieto, Ray Rist, and Richard Elmore in consideration of how race, culture, power, and language affect actual classroom practice.

Suggest a Resource

Submit a school improvement article or a link you think would complement our site.