“With its emphasis on the principles of brain development, Transition Tips and Tricks will be a tremendous resource for teachers filled with songs, stories, movement activities, simple games and easy to make props.”
—Cynthia Catlin, University Presbyterian Children's Center
Q: Why are energetic environments so important for preschool classroom learning? How does the energy of the classroom effect how children learn?
“Love what you do and believe it matters!” Children reflect the teacher’s attitude and enthusiasm. All children deserve a teacher who smiles at them and can show them how exciting learning can be!
Q: Your book I Love Letters! is full of easy activities that infuse preschool programs with literacy learning. Why is early literacy learning so important for young children?
“A mind is a terrible thing to waste.” And, indeed, it is!!! We need to take advantage of every opportunity to talk to children, sing to them, and read to them. Our window of opportunity is wide open the first five years of a child’s life, and we have a responsibility to do all we can to help children become lifelong readers!
Q: In Transition Tips and Tricks and Transition Time, you provide teachers with ways to turn transitions into learning experiences. What are some easy things teachers can do to maintain control of transition times while still maintaining a fun learning environment?
If you will focus children’s attention with songs, finger plays, and cheers then you can engage them and keep a positive attitude.
Q: You have been involved in education for more than 40 years, both as a teacher for children and an instructor for adults. How has it changed? What new challenges do children and teachers face now?
Baby bears are baby bears. Children are children. We need to get back to the basics and love them, sing to them, read to them, talk to them, and give them hands-on experiences. They will have a lifetime to sit in front of a computer, but they only have a few years to finger paint, play with play dough, build with blocks, and play dress up!
Praise for I Love Letters!:
“From sign language to classroom and individual games, I Love Letters! is full of good ideas which will promote and prompt a love of reading in children.”
—www.readingtoknow.com
Praise for Transition Tips and Tricks:
“Transition Tips and Tricks can be especially beneficial to the new teacher that may not have as many ‘tools of the trade.’ However, even seasoned teachers can be refreshed with the vast amount of transition ideas.”
—Dr. Clara Carroll, Director of Professional Field Services Harding University
“This book has some great ideas...I like the idea of a sign-in poster for the children to actually sign their own name! This book offers a lot of ideas for rainy days.”
—Tracy Brown, Children's Home, Chambliss Shelter
“Good ideas for older 3’s and up for remembering days of the week, colors, etc. Good learning songs…Great circle time activities and songs.”
—Amy Roberts, McPhaul Child Development Center University of Georgia
“Great for the beginner and the experienced teacher.”
—Dr. Phyllis Cuevas, McNeese State University
“Transition Tips and Tricks–a great book! I like the way it gives the purpose of the activity and has the ‘what’ section to list materials needed. Great Jean Feldman stuff–I can just see her doing the activities.”
—Margaret Collins, Director, River Road Preschool
“Well organized with fun, educational items. [A] great teaching tool. Transitions are some of the most under used items in classroom management. Jean has done a great job again!”
—Janie H. Humphries, Ed.D, Professor and Coordinator, University Distinguished Professor Louisiana Tech University
Praise for Transition Time:
“If you teach young children, you know that those periods between planned activities can be stressful. You can make them less so by reading Transition Time…”
—Creative Classroom
“A great how-to resource and idea book!”
—Library Resource for Teachers in Training, City University, Benton, Washington