NOT JUST FOR KINDERGARTEN! This forum is to share the amazing information and resources that form the highly recommended book, Practical Kindergarten by Renee Berg and Karen Peterson Wirth. This is a forum to share a few of the practical examples, including the developmental targets that the processes will support. We also encourage feedback and discussion regarding the use of these activities and this resource. Many forms of positive pedagogy (teaching!!!) are also frequent subjects encouraged on the forum.

Practical Kindergarten is a tremendous resource that provides teachers with abundant ideas for including hands-on learning activities in their curricula while meeting academic standards. Please do not limit your engagement to the age of 'kindergarten', as these resources are good for ages 3-8 with appropriate accommodations, the name is used because the California academic standards for kindergarten are used as a reference point.

This book presents ideas for creative teaching, not only 'how' to do an activity, but 'why' an activity supports cognitive development. It provides accommodation strategies for diverse learners and a learning plan for each activity. This yahoo group has five complete sections available for free, and a host of awesome links (you don't even have to join to see the links)

The "activity plans" describe recommended activities and variations of those activities in detail. Learning plans include customizing activities to accommodated learning diversity, including English Language learner, Gifted, ADHD, Autism spectrum disorders, visual impairments, orthopedic impairments and developmental delays, as well as meeting California academic content standards.

Materials and preparation, as well as step-by-step instructions, are helpfully provided on each form for easier and faster completion of the learning plan form.

This guide will be invaluable for all teachers (preschool through the primary grades), resources teachers, and home schoolers