Illinois Early Learning Project


http://illinoisearlylearning.org

IEL Electronic Newsletter

2007, Issue 1

Ask an Expert: Children’s Play – More than Fun and Games!

Jean Mendoza, assistant professor of early childhood education at Millikin University in Decatur, Illinois, is our guest expert for February. To many of us who work with young children, it seems clear that play is essential for their well-being. What is the nature of that need, and what can and should we adults do to foster the kinds of play that best help children express themselves and learn about the world? Dr. Mendoza will receive your questions on young children’s play until February 21, and answers will be provided from approximately February 8 through February 28. To ask a question of Dr. Mendoza, please go to http://illinoisearlylearning.org/askanexpert.htm and enter your question.

To read the guest biography and supplemental resources related to this event, go to http://illinoisearlylearning.org/askanexpert/mendoza/bio.htm and http://illinoisearlylearning.org/askanexpert/mendoza/sup.htm.

New IEL Tip Sheets in English

Recent IEL Tip Sheet in Spanish

New IEL Tip Sheets in Polish

Visit Us at a Conference Near You!

  • The Illinois Resource Center is sponsoring a workshop on Teaching with Intention: The Role of the Development of Social Competence on February 6, 2007, in Fairview Heights, Illinois. For more information, go to http://www.thecenterweb.org/ec/index.html. The registration form is availableat http://thecenterweb.org/ec/pdfs/regform-06-07.pdf. (Dr. Lilian Katz will be giving a presentation.)
  • The Illinois Resource Center is sponsoring a workshop on the Project Approach Level 1: Projects in Practice on February 8-9, 2007, in Champaign, Illinois. For more information, go to http://thecenterweb.org/ec/index.html . The registration form is available athttp://thecenterweb.org/ec/pdfs/regform-06-07.pdf . (Dr. Lilian Katz will be giving a presentation.)
  • The Illinois Resource Center is sponsoring a workshop on Teaching with Intention: The Role of the Pre-K Teacher in the Early Childhood Classroom on March 13, 2007, in Mt. Vernon, Illinois. For more information, go to http://www.thecenterweb.org/ec/index.html. The registration form is availableat http://thecenterweb.org/ec/pdfs/regform-06-07.pdf . (Dr. Lilian Katz will be giving a presentation.)

Looking for Some New Ideas for a Project?

Check out “Resources on Early Learning/The Project Approach” at http://illinoispip.org. It’s also linked from the “Other Resources” page and the right-hand “quick links” sidebar. Contents of this section include:

  • A description of the Project Approach and how it helps children meet the Benchmarks in the Illinois Early Learning Standards.
  • Resources about the Project Approach, including “Ask and Expert” events and IEL Chats, IEL Tip Sheets on the Project Approach, and links to examples of projects.
  • Illinois Project Approach events throughout the state.

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Disclaimer

The opinions, resources, and referrals provided on the IEL Web site are intended for informational purposes only and are not intended to take the place of medical or legal advice, or of other appropriate services. We encourage you to seek direct local assistance from a qualified professional if necessary before taking action.

The content of the IEL Web site does not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the Illinois Early Learning Project, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, or the Illinois State Board of Education; nor does the mention of trade names, commercial products, or organizations imply endorsement by the Illinois Early Learning Project, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, or the Illinois State Board of Education.