Windows on Learning

Book excerpt: Completely updated, this popular guide provides teachers with a proven method for documenting (collecting, analyzing, and displaying) young children’s work. Written by teachers for teachers, it also shows principals, curriculum coordinators, and directors of early intervention programs how to develop children’s portfolios to share with parents or to use for assessment and other accountability purposes. “This lively, informative book poses a remarkable challenge to teachers—to grow themselves while growing young children. Being creatively accountable is hard work and the stories told here describe both the work, how it’s done, and its joyful rewards for teachers and children.” —Elizabeth Jones, Pacific Oaks College “This book provides a set of windows on children’s lives and how teachers can enter into those lives and enrich them through high-quality teaching. The authors have created an inspiring volume, a challenging set of ideas, and an invaluable resource for early childhood educators.” —Samuel J. Meisels, University of Michigan “[A] thoughtful, up-to-date guide to assessing and documenting children’s work. . . . The authors give clear, practical advice on how to collect, analyze, and display children’s work in meaningful ways.” —Scholastic Early Childhood Today (on first edition) “Many teachers find it frustrating to hear the rich and exciting learning experiences they provide described as ‘nothing.’ Windows on Learning skillfully addresses the challenge faced by early childhood educators wishing to share classroom experiences with parents, administrators, and peers. The authors offer a timely and fresh approach to documenting children’s learning and work.” —Childhood Education (on first edition)