As early childhood educators, creating an inclusive early childhood environment is more than adapting interactions and the learning environment to help specific children. Every person views the world based on their culture and life experience and identifying our personal culture can empower us to find ways to work with the culture of the children we care for, instead of using strategies to help children adapt to the classroom culture. Inclusion Includes Us seeks to replace barriers between early childhood educators and their students with an understanding that every person in the classroom has a unique combination of needs and helping children and educators recognize the needs of others. This book will help early childhood educators reflect on how you view yourself and others in terms of both culture and abilities and offers concrete ideas for how to connect with children of all cultures and abilities and create a sense of belonging for all.

Physical play is vital to young children's development. This pamphlet to be shared with families complements Embracing Rough and Tumble Play and will help families understand the importance of effectively working big body movement into children's daily schedules and how physical play makes teaching practice more dynamic and effective.

Bree is digging for worms, but she unearths something even better than she expected-a new friend! Bree doesn't know anyone who likes to dig as much as she does. What's more, Bree doesn't know anyone who likes worms as much as she does. So Bree digs alone, until one day a classmate joins her. Together, the two unearth something even better than worms-a new friendship. This story shows how young children can discover friendship through common interests. The book contains a page of information to help you connect the story to children's experiences, which makes it a great teaching tool for your classroom or child care setting.

Follow along as an ordinary day in Mr. Walter's classroom turns into something unexpected. It's another day in Mr. Walter's classroom, and Ari and Blaine hatch a plan to put on a show. Throughout the day, their classmates join the fun and contribute new ideas. Finally, it's show time-and just in time for a special audience! This story showcases the routine of the day in one group-care setting. The book contains a page of information to help you connect the story to children's experiences, which makes it a great teaching tool for your classroom or child care setting.

Physical play is vital to young children's development. This practical, hands-on resource encourages you to incorporate boisterous physical play into every day and offers concrete advice on how to create spaces for safe play, how to effectively work big body movement into children's daily schedule, and how to use physical play to make teaching practice more dynamic and effective. Learn about the importance of big body play for social and emotional development throughout life. Discover how to communicate about safe and intentional rough and tumble play with children and families Incorporate big body play into all areas of the child care program while maintaining boundaries and teaching self-regulation. Use the family companion (sold separately) to educate families on the importance of rough and tumble play for all children.

Being apart from his mama can be hard, but something unexpected helps Esteban remember that she always comes back. There are so many fun things to do in Mr. Walter's classroom, but Esteban still misses his mama while she's at work. One day, after giving Esteban two kisses and a hug (mwah mwah mmmm), Mama heads out the door-and forgets to take her gloves with her. As Esteban keeps the gloves safe, they help him remember something important: it can be hard to be apart from his mama, but she always comes back . . . with two kisses and a hug! This sweet story shows one child's experience with separation anxiety and his recovery from it. The book contains a page of information to help you connect the story to children's experiences, which makes it a great teaching tool for your classroom or child care setting.

The firefighters are busy saving the day. How can Rita join in and play? The firefighters are on their way! Michi and Jayden are playing firefighter, and Rita wants to play, too. But how can she join in when they're too busy putting out fires to notice her? Rita begins to feel left out . . . But with a can-do attitude and a classmate's good idea, Rita finds herself in the middle of the fun in no time. This story chronicles the challenge one child encounters as she tries to enter the play of others. The book contains a page of information to help you connect the story to children's experiences, which makes it a great teaching tool for your classroom or child care setting. Age focus: 3 and up.