Preschool Pathways to Science (PrePS): Facilitating Scientific Ways of Thinking, Talking, Doing, and Understanding

To ensure they’re meeting state early learning guidelines for science, preschool educators need fun, age-appropriate, and research-based ways to teach young children about scientific concepts. That’s just what they’ll get with this hands-on guidebook! The basis for the PBS kids show
Sid the Science Kid , this innovative teaching resource helps children ages 3-5 investigate their everyday world and develop the basics of scientific thinking - skills they’ll apply across subject areas when they enter school. A fun and engaging way to introduce science to young children, PrePS[trademark] is a must-have because it is based on the domain-specific approach to cognitive development. The collaborative work of cognitive researchers and preschool educators, this approach incorporates lessons learned from developmental research and classroom experience. It provides age-appropriate introduction to key science practices (see sidebar). It supports a range of cognitive and social skills. PrePS[trademark] uses science to help children develop math skills, early literacy and language skills, and social and emotional sensitivity. It taps teachers’ creativity. Because PrePS[trademark] is designed to energize teachers and tap in to their personal creativity, teachers who already use the PrePS[trademark] approach have reported an increase in professional satisfaction. This reader-friendly guide gives educators the guidance they need to work PrePS[trademark] into their existing program; sample schedules designed for the preschool classroom; and, detailed sample activities they can do right away or use as templates for their own creative lessons. And with the book’s assessment guidelines, teachers will know PrePS[trademark] is having a measurable effect on the classroom environment and student learning.