Much has been written about children's literature as a genre; but very little material exists on how to use it in diverse South African classrooms where teachers prepare young learners in literacy skills. Introducing Children's Literature equips the prospective teacher with a strong theoretical introduction to the genre and details how children can be encouraged to become enthusiastic readers. This books also provides insight into the developmental stages of a child; the history of South African literature, with particular reference to the oral tradition; the role of the adult in establishing a reading culture; practicalities of introducing stories and literature to children in different phases from diverse contexts; the use of illustrations and technology to enhance other literacies; techniques of storytelling and selecting appropriate texts; the influence of the hidden curriculum in terms of moral development, stereotyping, sanitising and representation. The authors collectively have decades of experience in teacher education, teaching at the chalkface and raising their own children to enjoy reading. Many practical suggestions for using children's literature in the classroom makes this book a necessity for teachers, student teachers and parents.

Language has always been the medium of instruction, but what happens when it becomes a barrier to learning? In this book, Jane Hill and Kirsten Miller take the reenergized strategies from the second edition of Classroom Instruction That Works and apply them to students in the process of acquiring English. New features in this edition include: The Thinking Language Matrix, which aligns Bloom's taxonomy with the stages of language acquisition and allows students at all levels to engage in meaningful learning. The Academic Language Framework, an easy-to-use tool for incorporating language-development objectives into content instruction. Suggestions for helping students develop oral language that leads to improved writing. Tips for Teaching that emphasize key points and facilitate instructional planning. Whether your students are learning English as a second language or are native English speakers who need help with their language development, this practical, research-based book provides the guidance necessary to ensure better results for all.

Computers and mobile technologies have become widely adopted as sought-after tools in the field of education. The prevalence of technology in early childhood education (ECE) is increasing, and teachers, both pre-service and in-service, are using best practices to integrate tools effectively to improve teaching and learning within the field. This includes settings such as childcare centers, family childcare, and community programs that have both educators and administrators adapting to the use of technology. Therefore, it has become critical to research and explore the best practices of technology integration and successful strategies to improve the use of technology in ECE. Empowering Early Childhood Educators With Technology examines best practices that focus specifically on those that facilitate the development of competencies in teaching young children (birth to age 8) and technology integration. The chapters include information on the foundations of technology in early childhood education, content-specific technology applications, developmentally appropriate practices (DAP) for learners using technology, and how to meet diverse learner needs with technology. The target audience for this book is early childhood professionals, teacher educators, pre- and in-service teachers in early childhood settings, faculty and researchers in the field of education, instructional technologists, childcare and elementary school administrators, early education policy organizations, and advocacy groups that are interested in the best practices and successful strategies for implementing technology in ECE.

The history of African teacher training in Natal is one of the most neglected and under-researched aspects of educational history. This book attempts to set out the administrative history of this field as a first step in stimulating the further research that is so urgently needed. It provides an overview of how and why African teachers were trained in the colony and province of Natal, starting in 1846 with the arrival of the first missionaries and ending in 1964, ten years after the Bantu Education Act was passed. By focusing on the past, the book also aims to provide a historical lens through which modern educational problems can be viewed. The quality of an education system, past or present, depends on its teachers, and the most vital task of any education system is to ensure that teachers are properly trained to do what they should do: inspire and intellectually stimulate the young generation.

In this galvanizing follow-up to the best-selling Teaching with Poverty in Mind, renowned educator and learning expert Eric Jensen digs deeper into engagement as the key factor in the academic success of economically disadvantaged students. Drawing from research, experience, and real school success stories, Engaging Students with Poverty in Mind reveals: Smart, purposeful engagement strategies that all teachers can use to expand students' cognitive capacity, increase motivation and effort, and build deep, enduring understanding of content. The (until-now) unwritten rules for engagement that are essential for increasing student achievement. How automating engagement in the classroom can help teachers use instructional time more effectively and empower students to take ownership of their learning. Steps you can take to create an exciting yet realistic implementation plan. Too many of our most vulnerable students are tuning out and dropping out because of our failure to engage them. It's time to set the bar higher. Until we make school the best part of every student's day, we will struggle with attendance, achievement, and graduation rates. This timely resource will help you take immediate action to revitalize and enrich your practice so that all your students may thrive in school and beyond.