Through examples inspired by NAEYC’s book The Intentional Teacher, we’ll explore how intentional teaching embraces developmentally appropriate practices, expands access to meaningful learning experiences for all children, and supports professional competencies while centering young learners’ curiosity, interests, and strengths. Participants will engage in guided reflection and analysis of real classroom scenarios, exploring how literacy, mathematics, science, and other content areas can be enriched through a thoughtful blend of purposeful instruction and opportunities for children to explore, experiment, and lead their own learning.

Together, we’ll examine and discuss examples that illustrate how teachers can balance instructional objectives while honoring children’s ideas and questions. This session will equip educators with clear, practical ways to think about intentional teaching decisions, supporting children in meeting learning goals while nurturing creativity, critical thinking, and a love of discovery.

Objectives:
We will explore:

• What “intentional” means in early learning
• How to facilitate child-guided and adult-guided experiences
• How intentional teachers make literacy, math, science, and other content come alive

Number of sessions available: 1

Total length: 1 - 3 hours

In-person / Online: In-person