Preschool Pathways to Science (PrePS)

To ensure they're meeting state early learning guidelines for science, preschool educators need fun, age-appropriate, and research-based ways to teach young children about scientific concepts. That's just what they'll get with this hands-on guidebook! The basis for the PBS KIDS show Sid the Science Kid, this innovative teaching resource helps children ages 3–5 investigate their everyday world and develop the basics of scientific thinking—skills they'll apply across subject areas when they enter school.

A fun and engaging way to introduce science to young children, PrePS is a must-have because it

• Is based on the domain-specific approach to cognitive development. The collaborative work of cognitive researchers and preschool educators, this approach incorporates lessons learned from developmental research and classroom experience.
• Provides age-appropriate introduction to key science practicesSupports a range of cognitive and social skills. PrePS uses science to help children develop math skills, early literacy and language skills, and social and emotional sensitivity.
• Makes the most of children's natural curiosity. PrePS isn't a rigid curriculum that asks children to memorize facts. It's a flexible, hands-on approach that helps teachers build on what children do best-actively explore their world.
• Encourages collaboration between teachers and children. PrePS encourages children's full participation, making learning a true partnership between adults and children.
• Enhances any curriculum. PrePS gives teachers creative new ways to support science learning and reasoning within everyday routines and lessons.
• Taps teachers' creativity. Because PrePS is designed to energize teachers and tap in to their personal creativity, teachers who already use the PrePS approach have reported an increase in professional satisfaction.

This reader-friendly guide gives educators the guidance they need to work PrePS into their existing program; sample schedules designed for the preschool classroom; and detailed sample activities they can do right away or use as templates for their own creative lessons. And with the book's assessment guidelines, teachers will know PrePS is having a measurable effect on the classroom environment and student learning.

Start young children on PrePS today, and help them develop the critical thinking skills they'll need to succeed-in science class, in other academic subjects, and in life.

Help children learn key science practices:

• Observe, predict, check
• Compare, contrast, experiment
• Vocabulary, discourse, and language
• Counting, measurement, and mathematics
• Recording and documenting