As We Begin: Dispositions of Mind, Learning, and the Brain in Early Childhood

(Paperback)

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Beginnings hold power and promise for what is to come.

As We Begin offers a scholarly yet energizing perspective on the beautiful complexity of teaching and learning during a child's foundational years. Henteleff brings together insights from big thinkers in education alongside research from Mind, Brain, and Education, and her own experiences in the classroom to explore the important role of early childhood educators and education in a way that is at once, serious, conversational, and inspiring. Explaining and applying important concepts from the science of teaching and learning in practical classroom terms, she examines the role of play, literacy, numeracy, creativity, and imagination as integrated and essential components of developing a child's intellectual curiosity.

As We Begin offers ideas, rather than prescriptions, for a balanced early childhood educational program.

Reviews

Foundations for a child's learning and academic, social and emotional development are set in their earliest years of schooling. As We Begin elevates how we think and design for our youngest learners' brains by sharing research and strategies that will validate and transform early childhood education and educators. -- Glenn Whitman, Executive Director of The Center for Transformative Teaching and Learning and co-author of Neuroteach
There is perhaps no more important time in a human's development than their childhood, and after the family, there are perhaps no more important people to a child than educators. This book is an informative foray into just how important you, readers, are. Indulge, enjoy, and learn. -- Mary Helen Immordino-Yang
Thoughtful and practical, As We Begin cuts through the noise to center us on what really matters in early childhood education - relationships, emotions, creativity, curiosity, and growth. Henteleff brings together the best of cutting-edge interdisciplinary research, illuminating theory, and traditional and progressive educational approaches, to provide a much-needed teacher/researcher perspective on the field of Mind, Brain and Education. She offers powerful ideas for all those seeking to improve the ways we support students' learning. -- Rebecca Gotlieb, human developmental psychologist and educational neuroscientist.
A delightful read that strikes the perfect balance between personal story and research on how young children learn and grow. This book is for educators, researchers, parents, and everyone invested in children. If you are an educator, Henteleff's prose will reaffirm your choice and your essential work in laying the foundations of the future. Researchers will find new importance in their work and motivation to continue to understand the nature of young children's minds. Parents will find affirmation and awe in the importance of the beginning. Because, as Henteleff powerfully states, the beginning does not just matter during the beginning. Early childhood sets the stage for everything to come. As We Begin is friendly and accessible, yet deeply meaningful. Henteleff is genuine and her passion for children and educators is tangible in every word. This is truly a book for everyone and a must-read for educators, parents, and researchers! -- Kristin Gagnier, Senior Research Scientist

Author Bio

Tia Henteleff is a veteran early childhood educator, professional development designer, speaker, and author. She is currently a Design Science Teacher for preschool and elementary grades as well as being the Lower School Research Lead for the Center for Transformative Teaching and Learning. Tia has remained a classroom teacher while simultaneously contributing to the fields of Mind, Brain, and Education, Early Childhood Education, and Arts Education and has served as a member of school boards and advisory think tanks in the DC area. She received her Masters in Curriculum and Teacher Education with an emphasis in the visual arts from Stanford University where she stayed after graduation to work in the laboratory pre-school on campus. Her research and teaching combine her passions for understanding the brain, the science of learning, the development of intellectual curiosity and creativity, and early childhood education. Tia lives in the DC area with her husband and three children.