Rebecca Isbell

Q: In The Complete Learning Center Book, you have created a variety of learning centers and included integrated learning webs. Why are learning centers beneficial to a young child’s learning process?

There are so many reasons that learning centers are a great activity for young children. First, it provides the opportunity for children to choose where they will play, helping them become independent and follow their specific interest. Next, it is active learning at it best as young children interact, talk, and collaborate. Learning Centers are designed for small groups so 3 to 4 children are working together. In the Center each child has more opportunity to impact the play and the events that take place in the area. During Center time the teacher can observe the children as they are using skills and are involved in meaningful activities. These reasons, and many others, make Learning Centers very important learning experiences for young children in early childhood classrooms.

Q: You have written books about making learning environments work in the preschool classroom. How can preschool teachers determine the best learning environments for their classrooms?

It is important to look at the specific children that are in your classroom, their developmental level, their interest, and backgrounds. This will help you design a classroom environment that matches this specific group of children and their unique needs. The environment should provide an emotional safe and supportive place where young children will be nurtured to grow and develop. Opportunities should be provided that are teacher directed as well as child centered. This means that the place where group/community time is held should be focused so children are engaged, listening, and participating. But, there must also be time and spaces for creative explorations that stimulate children's thinking and draw them into enriched experiences. For example, by providing a new space for young children to create and display their art work or share their “writings” you are encouraging their artistic and emergent literacy abilities. Watch the children and see if they are involved, interested, and active in the learning process—if not, find ways to enrich the environment so learning will be evident and visible.

The environment impacts everything: learning, behaviors, attitude, and engagement. By designing a wonderful environment that nurtures development you provide a classroom where children are excited, and involved in learning.

Q: Why does storytelling have such a positive effect on children’s language development?

In my research and writing on storytelling I have found that young children appreciate a story told. It draws them into the story, mesmerizes them, invites their participation, and nurtures their visual literacy. As the teller, I am able to have good eye contact, adjust the story to the children, and their comprehension of content is improved. A great story can work for a teacher throughout his/her professional career because it can be used many times over the years. You know when the story works because children say, “Tell it Again” and you should!

Q: What has it meant to you to be involved with the National Storytelling Festival in your hometown of Jonesborough, Tennessee?

I was involved in the National Storytelling Festival from the beginning. The first year, almost 30 years ago, 75 people set in a wagon in front of the Court House and told stories. Now there is a multi-million dollar International Center in Jonesborough.

In October of each year 10,000 people come to sit under huge tents and hear storytellers from all over the world share their art. It is an inspiring experience—and it has nurtured my interest in storytelling. I believe every early childhood educator can be a teller of stories. When we select and tell appropriate stories we can impact language, literacy, and empathy as we interact with young children.

Q: What was involved in designing the pilot site for Tennessee Early Childhood Training Alliance? Why do you think working on this project was important for the children of Tennessee?

I was on the original state steering committee that designed and implemented this training. We wrote and field tested the modules that were used in the orientation, 30 contact hours of training that was the foundation for further training leading to CDA, AA, BS, Master's degree, and now the PhD in Early Childhood Education. I have had wonderful opportunity to watch women, who had no training in Early Childhood, move through the levels of TECTA training and become amazing early childhood professionals. What an exciting experience it has been for me to be a part of this wonderful journey.

Q: What is Center of Excellence in Early Childhood Learning and Development? What does the Center do? How did you become involved?

Dr. Wes Brown and I wrote the proposal for establishing a Center of Excellence in Early Childhood Education and Learning which is funded by the state of Tennessee. This year we are celebrating our 25 year of having this designation. The Center provides the stimulus for research, training, and service that relates to providing a quality environment for young children, their families, and those who work with them. Eight years ago I was selected to be the Director of the Center. I continue to be a Professor in Early Childhood Education at East Tennessee State University and teach course in the early childhood program.

Q: You are a speaker, a teacher, and a writer. What aspect of your career do you enjoy the most? Why?

I appreciate and enjoy working with people in early childhood. I find them interesting, positive, dedicated, and hardworking. Speaking and teaching allows me to interact and learn about them, their needs, what is happening in their place, and the amazing young children in their classrooms. But writing lives on and can be used time and again to help teachers in their challenging work. So I must admit, I enjoy all three but for very different reasons.

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