Creative Thinking and Arts-Based Learning: Preschool Through Fourth Grade, 6th Edition

In Creative Thinking and Arts-Based Learning: Preschool Through Fourth Grade, 6^th edition, Joan Packer Isenberg and Mary Renck Jalongoshow future and current early childhood educators how to integrate children’s creativity, play, and the arts into their curriculum in a way that fosters learning and growth and meets accountability measures, by emphasizing the use of technology to enhance creativity and the arts, with myriad suggestions to differentiate instruction and make adaptations for diverse learners across the art forms.  Organized into four main parts, the text covers the foundations of creative thought; examines children’s play, games, and inventions; addresses the subject areas that are traditionally associated with the creative arts; delves into the teacher’s role—supporting creative expression and play, assessing creative processes and products, and working with diverse families and communities; and discusses effective design and use of environments, materials, and resources. Unique boxed pedagogical features make the text more practical, readable, and helpful to the early childhood educator. Written for prospective and practicing early childhood educators who are expected to teach in accordance with an increasing number of state, local, and national benchmarks, this proven and adaptable text will best prepare the early childhood educator for creative thinking in the classroom and beyond.

Part I Foundations of Creative Thought    

Chapter 1: Understanding Children’s Creative Thought and Expression

Chapter 2: Supporting Children’s Play, Games, and Inventions

Part II The Creative Arts

Chapter 3: Promoting Children’s Art

Chapter 4: Engaging Children in Music, Movement, and Dance

Chapter 5: Inviting Children’s Participation in the Dramatic Arts

Part III Creative Teaching and Assessment

Chapter 6: Teachers’ Roles in Fostering Creative Thought and Expression

Chapter 7: Assessing the Creative Processes and Products of Children

Chapter 8: Children’s Creative Work in Diverse Families and Communities

Part IV Environments That Support Creativity and Arts-Based Learning

Chapter 9: Designing Environments That Support Creativity and the Arts

Chapter 10: Using Creative Materials and Resources Effectively

Appendix A Cross-Referenced Standards Guide

Appendix B Noncompetitive Games for Children

Appendix C Resources for Creative Materials