Play, Projects, and Preschool Standards

This practical guide for early childhood educators demonstrates how to integrate essential preschool learning standards into the natural, play-based activities that young children already enjoy. Gera Jacobs provides concrete strategies for enriching everyday classroom experiences—from block building to dramatic play—ensuring that joyful, developmentally appropriate learning simultaneously meets academic benchmarks. The book successfully bridges the gap between mandated educational requirements and the hands-on, child-centered approach that defines quality early education.

What sets this resource apart is its reassuring tone and actionable methods that empower teachers to use their existing knowledge while expanding their instructional toolkit. Educators feeling pressured by standardized expectations will find relief in its practical framework for weaving literacy, math, and social-emotional goals into projects and play. This approach not only supports key developmental domains but ultimately cultivates a more engaged and enthusiastic classroom community where meaningful learning thrives.