Spotlight on Young Children: Social and Emotional Development, Revised Edition

Marilou Hyson, PhD, consults nationally and internationally on early childhood issues, with special emphasis on emotional development and professional development for teachers. Formerly, Marilou was NAEYC’s associate executive director for professional development, where she led the development of several position statements and standards. She has been a preschool and kindergarten teacher and a university teacher educator.

• IntroductionMarilou Hyson Section 1:Identifying and Building Strengths            “Promoting Children’s Social and Emotional Health”  Jeannie Ho &Suzanne Funk “‘I Can Do That!’ Creating Classrooms That FosterResilience"           Vicki S. Collet “What About theChildren? Teachers Cultivating and Nurturing the Voice and Agency of YoungChildren”      Brian L. Wright Section 2: BuildingCaring, Peaceful Communities           “Supporting PeerRelationships and Social Competence in Inclusive Preschool Classrooms”            Adam S. Kennedy “Guidance Strategies to Prevent and Address PreschoolBullying”   Jill M. Raisor& Stacy D. Thompson “Never Too Young toSupport a Cause: Promoting Positive Identity Development Through Social JusticeCurriculum in Preschool” Veronica Benavides,Roxanne Ledda, & Maimuna Mohammed Section 3:Supporting Children and Families in Difficult Times          “Creating Trauma-Sensitive Classrooms” Katie Statman-Weil “Supporting Anxious Children in the Preschool Classroom”   Sierra L. Brown,Allison McCobin, Stephanie Easley, & Kara E. McGoey “Welcoming Refugee Children into Early ChildhoodClassrooms”    Sadia Warsi “Using Nature Contact to Support Children Under Stress”     Becky L.DelVecchio, Susan Ferguson, & Wesley Knapp Section 4:Integrating Social and Emotional Perspectives into the Curriculum            “Three for One: Supporting Social, Emotional, and MathematicalDevelopment”   Linda M. Platas “Partnering withFamilies Supporting Social and Emotional Development Through Picture Books”            Alison Hooper “Paired Learning:Strategies for Enhancing Social Competence in Dual Language Classrooms”  Iliana Alanís &María G. Arreguín

This updated version of Spotlight on Young Children: Social and Emotional Development is an essential handbook for all early childhood practitioners. (Book study, anyone?) Kudos to the authors for elevating cultural variations in social and emotional development and norms, links to violence prevention, and how child well-being is a direct reflection of family and educator well-being.  —Kristen E. Darling, Research Scientist, Early Childhood Development, Child Trends    Grounded in evidence-based practices, important aspects of social and emotional development are highlighted and paired with clear, relatable examples and easy-to-implement strategies. Reflection questions throughout encourage the extension and application of the material. This book is a great resource for all who work with young children.    —Keri Giordano, Associate Professor, Department of Advanced Studies in Psychology, Kean University    Current research has consistently shown strong linkages between early childhood mental health and future outcomes. This revised edition uses this information to provide a deep but swimmable dive into how those involved in early childhood education can foster social and emotional health in their classrooms, with children and their families as well as amongst educators. I particularly enjoyed the book’s treatment of trauma and early childhood stressors!  —Herbert Hickey, Early Childhood Educator, Horizons for Homeless Children    The authors have written an extraordinarily accessible book for educators that offers crucial insights, inspires contemplation, and is packed with examples and an abundance of resources. This book absolutely moves the early childhood field forward.   —David Walz, Bilingual School Psychologist and Child and Family Advocate, AdvocacyDenver      This is an excellent resource for early childhood educators seeking culturally responsive approaches to creating resilient, inclusive, and trauma-sensitive classrooms that support young children experiencing stress, anxiety, and bullying.  —Teresa Byington, Professor/Specialist of Early Childhood Education, University of Nevada, Reno Extension, and Author of Lose the Lecture    This book is not only a must-read but one that can be referenced back to for ongoing support. Through this compilation of rich content, useful references, and quality-driven resources, readers will better understand the role of both the caregiver and educator in maximizing performance on a child-centered level, learning environment level, and family/community level.  —Nagwa Elsamra, School Social Worker, Elizabeth School District    With expanded articles on a wider range of topics, this new edition of a classic book is well-arranged into four cohesive parts. Contemporary issues are raised in an accessible way, with every one of the articles offering helpful charts, appropriate resources, and interesting reflection questions. This resource will be consulted over and over again, until the pages start to fall out and it’s time for the next edition.   —Ellen A. Cogan, Owner and Chief Consultant, Hilltop Early Childhood Services