Books are still one of the best ways to learn more about a subject, including teaching. If you’re interested in becoming a preschool teacher or going back to school for a relevant degree, reading these great books can help you make your decision. With a wide variety of topics covered, these books should answer any questions you may have about the field.
1. The Intentional Teacher: Choosing the Best Strategies for Young Children’s Learning
This book, which looks specifically at how preschoolers learn and develop, is recommended by the NAEYC, or the National Association for the Education of Young Children. It will teach you how to balance learning experiences for a child that responds to their interests and focus areas. You will even learn what children need to be successful in both education and life. A great overview, this book should help you decide if becoming a preschool teacher is right for you.
2. Powerful Interactions: How to Connect With Children to Extend Their Learning
This book takes a look at how a teacher can interact with a student in ways that improves the child’s learning. The book is broken down into three steps to help you interact with children in a meaningful way. Step one teaches you how to be present in the classroom and tune into how you’re feeling. Step two focusses on how you can connect with a child based on what he or she is doing and saying. Step three teaches you how to take what you’ve learned to build a strong connection with the child.
This book is a great guide to teaching you exactly how powerful interactions with children are. Not only will this book help you understand the role of a preschool teacher, but it will help you thrive in the career.
3. Anti-Bias Education for Young Children and Ourselves
This book is a best-seller and considered one of the best guides for learning how to take bias out of the classroom. You will learn exactly how to confront barriers of prejudice and misinformation and even learn how to help children respect each other and themselves.
Each individual chapter focuses on subjects like racial identity, family structures, economic class and more. This is a great book for any preschool teacher, whether you’re already established in your career or are considering obtaining a degree.
4. Developmentally Appropriate Practice: Focus on Preschoolers
This is a great resource for preschool teachers to learn about developmentally appropriate practice and how it can be used in the classroom. Chapters detail exactly what developmentally appropriate practice is and how it can be transferred to truly excellent teaching. There are even included examples that show how children can benefit from such practices.
This book is great for any preschool teacher looking to learn more about the field. If you’re considering a degree in teaching, this book will give you an overview of how to apply these practices in a classroom.
5. A Survival Guide for the Preschool Teacher
This book is much simpler in that is doesn’t detail specific practices and techniques used in the classroom. Instead, this guide gives you a broader overview on how to create a successful preschool program, including classroom management, curricula planning, nutrition and more.
If you currently work as a preschool teacher, this book can show you areas in which you can improve. If you’re considering a career as a preschool teacher, this book will give you an idea of what you will be learning and how it can be applied in the classroom.
Related Resource: 5 Great Websites for School Psychologists
Whether you’ve already established your career as a preschool teacher or you’re just starting out, books are a great way to learn even more about the field. These five great books go over some of the most important aspects of the field of preschool teaching.
