What can you add to your early childhood classroom that will immerse children in rich learning, reduce challenging behaviors, and develop confidence as well as critical thinking and problem-solving skills? A makerspace!Filled with colorful photographs taken in real early childhood settings, this book will guide you step-by-step in making a makerspace that invites young children to boldly explore materials and create something only they can imagine. Discover how to:Draft a plan and gather materialsSet up your makerspaceGarner administrator and parent buy-inFocus on goals and support specific skill developmentFacilitate children's learning to deepen understanding

Professional development is important, but early childhood professionals get just as bored, worn out, and disengaged from learning as their younger counterparts do. But while pre-K and K-12 classroom learning continues to evolve and improve, adult learners are often left by the wayside! There must be a better way.Teresa A. Byington brings administrators, coaches, and facilitators a new approach to professional development and adult learning that focuses on the learners-how they think, what they need, and what motivates them to grow. Lose the Lecture features dozens of tips and strategies to engage adult learners and help them thrive in their careers.Teach adult learners in the ways they learn bestFacilitate meaningful group learningCoach with the Reflective Strengths-Based Coaching ModelLearn more than 60 engagement strategiesEngage participants in honest communication and reflectionPerfect for any professional-learning facilitator-coach, mentor, or early childhood director-Lose the Lecture helps turn professional learning from a dreaded requirement to a meaningful opportunity. The best part? There's no slide show deck!

As an early educator, you face many challenges. You may be asking yourself if you’re in the right place, doing the right thing. You may be wondering if you’re making a difference. You may be feeling symptoms of burnout but see opportunities to be a positive influence on individuals around you. Change your life and transform your leadership by embarking on a joyful journey today. Even if you do not have an official leadership position, you can lead with joy. If you are an individual who uplifts, guides, and inspires others, then you are a joyful leader! Throughout this book, Teresa Byington offers ideas for bringing joy to your work with intentionality. Discover ways to rise now by implementing strategies to help you become a more joyful leader. Find ways to shine on the individuals that you lead and inspire them to be more joyful. Filled with real-life examples of early childhood educators leading with joy, each chapter concludes with discussion questions, a reflection activity, and an action plan. Explore five aspects of joyful leadership: Reimagine your purpose. Radiate a joyful outlook. Engage in joyful action. Create caring connections. Use reflection to build strengths.