Blocks and Beyond: Strengthening Early Math and Science Skills Through Spatial Learning:

Spatial development should be part of every young child's education—it's linked with higher achievement not just in math and science, but across all academic areas. Now early childhood educators have a guidebook to help them seamlessly integrate spatial learning into their everyday curriculum.

Focusing on areas key to academic success—math, science, art and literature, and social studies—early childhood expert Mary Jo Pollman gives teachers research-based insights and ready-to-use activities for promoting children's spatial development throughout the school day. Developed for use with children in preschool through third grade, this innovative teacher training resource

• Aligns with key focal points specified by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, the National Math Panel Report, and the National Science Education Standards
• Helps children progress in specific areas where U.S. students are falling behind—particularly geometry and geography
• Improves teacher quality—helps them plan a successful, well-rounded curriculum with creative, age-appropriate activities
• Strengthens the home–school learning connection with suggestions for games that parents and children can do together
• Uses easy-to-find materials—shows how to improve spatial skills with everyday items like blocks, play dough, puzzles, globes, and objects found in nature
• Is fully supported by the latest research and highly respected educational theories, clearly explained throughout the book so teachers know the why behind the how
• Provides a foundation for later success in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields

A great inservice professional development resource and an essential text for preservice teachers, this book is key to creating a curriculum that actively promotes spatial development and sets the stage for strong math, science, and other academic skills.

Infuse spatial development activities across academic areas:

• Math. Follow the NCTM's call for more geometry in the earlier grades with creative spatial activities—specifically designed to connect to NCTM focal points.
• Science. Using spatial science activities, help children learn basic principles of biology, astronomy, physics, engineering, and earth science.
• Social studies. Improve geographic literacy through map reading, movement and exploration, representation and symbolization, and directional words.
• Art & literature. Increase spatial skills by studying the lines and shapes in famous paintings and illustrations in children's books.

Spatial development should be part of every young child's education—it's linked with higher achievement not just in math and science, but across all academic areas. Now early childhood educators have a guidebook to help them seamlessly integrate spatial learning into their everyday curriculum.

Focusing on areas key to academic success—math, science, art and literature, and social studies—early childhood expert Mary Jo Pollman gives teachers research-based insights and ready-to-use activities for promoting children's spatial development throughout the school day. Developed for use with children in preschool through third grade, this innovative teacher training resource

• Aligns with key focal points specified by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, the National Math Panel Report, and the National Science Education Standards
  
  
• Helps children progress in specific areas where U.S. students are falling behind—particularly geometry and geography
  
  
• Improves teacher quality—helps them plan a successful, well-rounded curriculum with creative, age-appropriate activities
  
  
• Strengthens the home–school learning connection with suggestions for games that parents and children can do together
  
  
• Uses easy-to-find materials—shows how to improve spatial skills with everyday items like blocks, play dough, puzzles, globes, and objects found in nature
  
  
• Is fully supported by the latest research and highly respected educational theories, clearly explained throughout the book so teachers know the why behind the how
  
  
• Provides a foundation for later success in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields

A great inservice professional development resource and an essential text for preservice teachers, this book is key to creating a curriculum that actively promotes spatial development and sets the stage for strong math, science, and other academic skills.

Infuse spatial development activities across academic areas:

• Math. Follow the NCTM's call for more geometry in the earlier grades with creative spatial activities—specifically designed to connect to NCTM focal points.
  
  
• Science. Using spatial science activities, help children learn basic principles of biology, astronomy, physics, engineering, and earth science.
  
  
• Social studies. Improve geographic literacy through map reading, movement and exploration, representation and symbolization, and directional words.
  
  
• Art & literature. Increase spatial skills by studying the lines and shapes in famous paintings and illustrations in children's books.