Resources and Materials

Dewi Griffith Ph.D

Enhancing Teaching and Learning in Childcare: Recommended Resources and References

by Dewi Griffith Ph.D

Not only is it important to pick materials that are appropriate for teaching and learning in childcare, but the range of materials could also have a direct impact on how children develop, especially in the areas of social, emotional, and cognitive development.

Other supporting teaching materials and technology-related tools have a certain impact on children.

This blog offers an opinion on how children could benefit from different materials used in childcare education. Furthermore, some suggestions of some useful materials for reference for teachers to design the learning process, are given.

Textbooks serve as a foundational tool of structured learning and can be extremely useful, especially when constructed for childhood learners and tailored in an age-appropriate way.

They provide a foundation to cover a wide range of subjects, from basic literacy and numeracy, to the beginnings of science and social study.

For example, ‘The Creative Curriculum for Preschool’ by Diane Trister Dodge provides a holistic approach to early childhood learning and combines various learning areas to provide guidance for the development of children (Dodge et al, 2010).

Textbooks are supplemented by materials such as worksheets and activity cards, which allow for more practice and specialisation of topics – as well as opportunities to learn through hands-on experimentation and play. ‘Scholastic Teachables’ is full of worksheets designed for use with specific textbooks – whether seeking to review social studies material or to study Egyptian mythology – that offer alternative activities for reinforcing specific learning objectives in a fun and hands-on way (Scholastic, n.d.).

Technology can also be an incredibly useful tool in childcare education today.

Tablets and software can provide engaging experiences that just aren’t possible with physical materials. For example, apps such as ‘ABCmouse’ or ‘Khan Academy Kids’ provide a rich learning environment for children to develop literacy and numeracy, through games, videos and interactive lessons (ABCmouse, n.d.; Khan Academy, n.d.). This software can also be used to tailor a child’s learning to their own pace and style.

The most important thing in childcare is making learning as fun and interactive as possible.

Some of the materials that can help children explore and think critically include puzzles, building blocks, and story books with colourful illustrations.

For example, ‘Melissa Doug Classic Wooden Building Blocks’ helps children to explore with structures and concepts with their hands.

Dodge, D. T., Heroman, C., Colker, L. J., & Bickart, T. S. (2010). The Creative Curriculum for Preschool. Teaching Strategies.

This textbook offers a well-rounded approach to early education, integrating key learning areas to support children's development.

Textbooks

Scholastic. (n.d.). Scholastic Teachables: Printable worksheets for kids. Retrieved from https://teachables.scholastic.com

A diverse range of printable worksheets and activities designed to reinforce learning objectives in a fun and engaging way.

Supplementary Handouts

1. ABCmouse. (n.d.). ABCmouse: Early Learning Academy. Retrieved from https://www.abcmouse.com

An educational platform offering interactive learning experiences that help children engage with literacy and numeracy skills through games, videos, and lessons.

2.Khan Academy. (n.d.). Khan Academy Kids: Free educational app for early learners. Retrieved from https://www.khanacademy.org/kids

A comprehensive learning app providing engaging content and personalised learning experiences for young children.

Technology Tools

Melissa & Doug. (n.d.). Classic Wooden Building Blocks. Retrieved from https://www.melissaanddoug.com/product/classic-wooden-building-blocks-set

Building blocks that encourage exploration, critical thinking, and creativity in young learners.

Interactive and Engaging Materials

Martin, B., Jr., & Carle, E. (1996). Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? Henry Holt and Co.

A classic storybook that makes learning to read enjoyable and engaging, catering to various reading levels.

LEGO Education. (n.d.). LEGO Education: Learning through play. Retrieved from https://education.lego.com

LEGO sets that foster collaborative building projects, encouraging teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills.

Collaborative and Social Development Tools

The Imagination Tree. (n.d.). Tinker Trays. Retrieved from https://theimaginationtree.com/tinker-trays

Open-ended materials filled with various loose parts that inspire creativity and imaginative play in children.

References and Further Reading

References

ABCmouse. (n.d.). ABCmouse: Early Learning Academy. Retrieved from https://www.abcmouse.com

Dodge, D. T., Heroman, C., Colker, L. J., & Bickart, T. S. (2010). The Creative Curriculum for Preschool. Teaching Strategies.

Khan Academy. (n.d.). Khan Academy Kids: Free educational app for early learners. Retrieved from https://www.khanacademy.org/kids

Learning Resources. (n.d.). Counting Bears with Sorting Cups. Retrieved from https://www.learningresources.com/product/counting-bears-with-sorting-cups.do