chapter title NORTH CAROLINA GUIDE FOR THE Early Years Second Edition photo bottom text top i STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION Our Mission and Goals The guiding mission of the North Carolina State Board of Education is that every public school student will graduate from high school, globally competitive for work and postsecondary education and prepared for life in the 21st century. Goal: NC public schools will produce globally competitive students. It is our responsibility Goal: NC public schools will be led by 21st century professionals. to cultivate children’s Goal: NC public school students will be healthy and responsible. Goal: Leadership will guide innovation in NC public schools. delight in exploring and Goal: NC public schools will be governed and supported by 21st century systems. understanding their world. WILLIAM C. HARRISON, Chairman, Fayetteville SHIRLEY E. HARRIS, Troy WAYNE MCDEVITT, Vice Chair, Asheville CHRISTINE J. GREENE, High Point Early childhood is and WALTER DALTON, Lieutenant Governor, Rutherfordton JOHN A. TATE III, Charlotte JANET COWELL, State Treasurer, Raleigh ROBERT “TOM” SPEED, Boone should be a time of laughter, KATHY A. TAFT, Greenville MELISSA E. BARTLETT, Roxboro REGINALD KENAN, Rose Hill PATRICIA N. WILLOUGHBY, Raleigh love, play, and great fun. KEVIN D. HOWELL, Raleigh Copple & Bredekamp, 2009 NC DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC INSTRUCTION June St. Clair Atkinson, Ed.D., State Superintendent 301 N. Wilmington Street :: Raleigh, North Carolina 27601-2825 In compliance with federal law, NC Public Schools administers all state-operated educational programs, employment activities and admissions without discrimination because of race, religion, national or ethnic origin, color, age, military service, disability, or gender, except where exemption is appropriate and allowed by law. Inquiries or complaints regarding discrimination issues should be directed to: Dr. Rebecca Garland, Chief Academic Officer :: Academic Services and Instructional Support, 6368 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-6368 :: Telephone: (919) 807-3200 :: Fax: (919) 807-4065 Visit us on the Web:: www.ncpublicschools.org ii PUBLICPUBLIC SCHSCHOOLOOLS OOFF NNORTHORTH CCAAROLIROLINNAA DESTAPTEARTME BOARNDT OF OF EDPUBLICUCAT IINSONTRUCTIOHoward N. Lee,N | JuneChairman St. Clair Atkinson, Ed.D., State Superintendent DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC INSTRUCTION June St. Clair Atkinson, Ed.D., State Superintendent WWW.NCPUBLICSCHOOLS.ORG WWW.NCPUBLICSCHOOLS.ORG September 29, 20082009 Dear Educators of Young Children, A child's early years are critically important to his/her future success in school. We also know that it is during these years that children learn to value and love learning. If we are to make the most of these years, and it is imperative that we do so, then schools must be READY to engage and serve our children and their families. This is a big order, for children come to us in all shapes and sizes, from all kinds of backgrounds, and with varying degrees of abilities and interests. We must create classrooms that encourage learning, lead children to cooperate with others, and promote children to develop the social skills that assure success in life. It is imperative that learning environments meet the needs of all students in inclusive settings. We must link standards, assessments and accountability and use them as tools to guide curriculum development, instructional design and teaching practice – all focused on the learner. Schools and communities are already working together to develop primary school programs that serve the needs of all children. As we pursue high quality programs to ensure that children reach their potential, The North Carolina Guide for the Early Years is an excellent resource and model for local schools. Our promise to the children and teachers of North Carolina is to advocate for policies, laws and regulations to enhance the quality of their life and work. We pledge our best efforts to the rights of children, so they may learn in safe environments – ones that are responsive to their development and needs. By doing so we can best appreciate and respect each child's uniqueness, contributions and potential. Given our opportunities and challenges, it is with pleasure that we dedicate this The North Carolina Guide for the Early Years to the children of North Carolina and the very special group of professional educators who are entrusted with their learning and care. We wish you every success as you pursue the great adventure of learning and growing together. June St. Clair Atkinson Howard N. Lee State Superintendent Chairman NC Department of Public Instruction NC State Board of Education OFFICE OF THE STATE SUPERINTENDENT June St. Clair Atkinson, Ed.D., State Superintendent | [email protected] 6301 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-6301 | (919) 807-3430 | Fax (919) 807-3445 AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMenT OF PUBLIC InSTRUCTION Acknowledgments The North Carolina Guide for the Early NC Department of Public Instruction Years, Second Edition, is based on Primary Section the knowledge of sound research, Lucy Roberts, Chief Consultant theories, and professional practices. Eva Phillips, K-2, Title 1 Kindergarten Consultant We thank the many generous Amy Smith, K-2 Consultant people who gave so unselfishly of their expertise, time, and resources Office of School Readiness to provide the direction and content John Pruette, Director of this Guide. Cindy Bagwell, Assistant Director Writing Task Force Teachers Bobbie Rowland, University of Carolyn Moser, Division of Public Health Silvia Bayer, Warren Wilson Child Development Center North Carolina at Charlotte Patsy Pierce, NC Department of Public Instruction Karla Carpenter, Hickory City Schools Kristi Snuggs, NC Community College System Lorie Pugh, Division of Child Development Susan Hoffman, Chapel Hill Carrboro Schools Cassandra Smith, NC Department of Marilyn Ornstein, Duke School Central Office/Coordinators Public Instruction Marylee Sease, Haywood County Schools Barbara Batts, Nash/Rocky Mount Schools Judith J. Smith, East Carolina University Susan Shilcock, Asheville City Schools Sharon Bentley, Haywood County Schools Marlo Walston, Head Start Deborah Sowell, Durham County Schools Ellen Edmonds, Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools Pat Wesley, Partnerships for Inclusion Corrine Watson, Richmond County Schools Kitty Hedgepeth, Washington County Schools Becky Wrisley, Prevent Child Abuse NC Linda McConnell, Gaston County Schools Administrator Debbie Pace, Edgecombe County Schools Facilitator Sherry Willis, Hickory City Schools Evelyn Seidenberg, Moore County Schools Andy Phillips, Writer, Consultant Parents CommUnitY Representatives Content Editor Azell Reeves Joe Appleton, NC Office of School Readiness Harriet Egertson, Ph.D., Early Childhood Cynthia R. Smith Kathy Baars, NC Department of Public Instruction Consultant, Temecula, CA Carrie P. Sharp Don Carter, Even Start Dina Castro, Frank Porter Graham CopY Editor IHE/CommUnitY College Margaret Gayle, American Association Betty Work, Greensboro, NC Barbara L. Brehm, East Carolina University for Gifted Children Deb Cassidy, University of Designer Beth Gerall, NoveList Kevin Justice, Graham, NC North Carolina at Greensboro Ileetha Groom, NC Department of Public Instruction Patricia Hearron, Appalachian State University Valorie Hargett, NC Department of Public Instruction Judy Niemeyer, University of Jackie Harrell, Division of Public Health North Carolina at Greensboro Jani Kozlowski, NC Partnership for Children Reviewers Preschool Teachers Becky Huffman Principals CommUnitY Carolyn Southerland Lisa Bruggeman Scott Larson Russell Johnson Representatives Dan Tetreault Karla Carpenter Rene Lemons-Matney Lisa Spalding Kathy Baars Cindy Wheeler Lugene Cox Mary Beth Lester Sherry Willis Beth Gerall Catherine Woodall Cecelia Ducket Emilie MacDonald InstrUctional Directors/ Jani Kozlowski InstitUtes of Higher Shari Funkhouser Donna Manning Coordinators/Specialists Lori Pugh EDUcation FacUltY Gigi Johnston Sherri Matheny Silvia Bayer Virginia Schreiner, M.D. Dr. Deb Cassidy Tracy Little Gretchen May Emily Bostic Marlo Walston Dr. Patricia Hearron NC Power of K Kathy Miller Kitty Hedgepeth Dr. Judy Niemeyer Jennifer Nelson ConsUltants Kindergarten Cindy Dewey Tara Almeida Dr. Patsy Pierce Teacher Leaders Vanessa Osborne Debra Pace Dr. Sharon Ritchie Yolanda Sawyer Joe Appleton Amy Blessing Evelyn Seidenberg Carla Garrett Dr. Bobbie Rowland Michelle Cole Marylee Sease Drew Setchfield Dr. Judith Smith Susan Suddreth Leonnie Gill Kristy Corbo Linda Vandevender Jody Koon Dr. Kristi Snuggs Toni DeMarco K-2 Teachers Katherine Wilder Janet McGinnis Dr. Diane Strangis Shakila Faqih Susan Shillcock Rhonda Muhammad Juliana Harris Mia Sherard iv chapter title THE NORTH CAROLINA GUIde FOR THE EARLY YeARS Quick Reference Guide Section I: A Framework for Teaching and Learning Chapter 1 – Introduction. 3 Chapter 2 – Building a Foundation for Learning. 11 Chapter 3 – Creating a Learning Environment for ALL Children. 27 Chapter 4 – Making the Most of Each Day. .39 Chapter 5 – Teaching with Purpose. 45 Chapter 6 – Fostering the Development of Appropriate Behavior and Social Skills. 51 Chapter 7 – Preparing Children for School and Schools for Children. 59 Chapter 8 – Making Informed Decisions about Curriculum. .69 Chapter 9 – Assessing Children’s Progress Appropriately . 79 Section II: The Essential Tools of Learning Chapter 10 – Approaches to Learning. 101 Chapter 11 – Emotional and Social Development.