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Book Embedded Vocabulary Instruction: Introducing new words and enhancing children’s

language using books By Mary Ann Goodrich, West Central VPK Regional Facilitator

There are many strategies teachers can use to increase children’s language and vocabulary. One of them is a small group activity called, Book Embedded Vocabulary Instruction, that uses words and illustrations in children’s books to teach new vocabulary to young children. Book Embedded Vocabulary Instruction involves four parts which include: Planning, Pre-teach, First Encounter and Second Encounter. During the Planning step the teacher previews the book and chooses the target words they wish to

teach. Then they create a simple, child friendly definition for each word using synonyms and words that young children understand. For the Pre-teach step the children are introduced to the target words. The teacher turns to a page where each word and illustration can be seen. She then tells the children the definition of each word, showing the illustration. The story is read for the first time during the First Encounter step, calling attention to each new vocabulary word as it is read. The teacher asks the children to recall the definition of each word. The final step is the Second Encounter. The teacher reads the book for the second time, once again calling attention to the new vocabulary words in various parts of the book. Book Embedded Vocabulary Instruction is an engaging strategy to enhance children’s language and increase their vocabulary knowledge. For more detailed information on this strategy and classroom resources view the Language and Vocabulary folder on the VPK Teacher Toolkit at http://www.flvpkonline.org/teachertoolkit/langVoc/section_5/5a.htm.

A newsletter for VPK providers, directors, teachers and administrators in Florida May 2018, Volume 2, Issue 10

RULES

RULE 6M-8.604 VPK CURRICULUM APPROVAL PROCESS 06/06/2018- HEARING Remember to check our

site regularly for a

listing of proposed rules

and notices of dates and

times of workshops.

http://bit.ly/2gkcQIN

250 MARRIOTT DRIVE • TALLAHASSEE, FL 32399 • Toll Free 866-357-3239

www.FloridaEarlyLearning.com

Changing Math Mindsets By Cassandra Jackson, VPK Educational Policy Consultant

If you have ever taken one of our Early Math trainings, you may

remember being asked the question, “How do you feel about

math?”

When asked this question, many responses include “I don’t like

math”, “I’m not a math person, never have been” or “Math is

confusing” and “I’m not good in math”

The next question we ask is, “Why do you feel this way about

math?” and often the answers revolve around personal

experiences with previous teachers, classmates or even close

family members that resulted in the negative feelings around the

subject.

Many teachers openly admit to spending very little to no time focusing on key early mathematical skills because they

themselves are uncomfortable with the subject or simply don’t enjoy it. When teachers adopt this “fixed mindset” the

don’t provide the meaningful experiences children need to explore key early mathematical concepts which research

shows are some of the best predictors of later academic success. These experiences provide opportunities for

children to develop positive attitudes towards math and build the foundation for their own growth mindset. So how

can you help children develop a positive attitude towards math and foster a growth mindset in the classroom?

Provide children with opportunities to learn from their mistakes.

Reinforce the idea that learning comes from trying new things.

Only talk about your own math experience as a positive learning opportunity.

Highlight connections between math and the real world.

If you would like more information about early math training available in your area, please download our Early

Childhood Math Training flyer available at http://www.floridaearlylearning.com/sites/www/Uploads/files/Oel%

20Resources/Publications/Early%20Math%20Flyer_FINAL04.13.07_ADA.pdf.

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www.onegoalsummerconference.org https://familychildcare.org

NOW AVAILABLE!!!

Early Learning and Developmental

Standards Website

The Office of Early Learning is pleased to share informatioabout the new Florida Early Learning and Developmental Standards website which can be accessed at flbt5.floridaearlylearning.com.

This site includes the revised Early Learning and Developmental Standards: Birth to Kindergarten (2017) anrelated resources through the collaboration of the Child Care Resource and Referral, School Readiness and VPK program units within the Office of Early Learning.

The following features and resources will be added to the new website over the next few months as new informationbecomes available.

Educator guides

Standard examples

Links to resources including videos

Family resources

Please feel free to contact Melinda Webster at Melinda.Webster@oel.myflorida.com with questions.

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“It takes a big heart to help shape little minds.”

Be in the Loop!

VPK Learning Circles are ongoing opportunities for early childhood

professionals to share strategies, research and best practices in VPK

classrooms. Learning Circle activities include

— Practicing new ideas and skills.

— Professional networking.

— Sharing resources and experiences.

— Discussion and brainstorming solutions for challenges faced in the

field.

Who should attend?

VPK providers, directors, teachers and administrators who would like

an opportunity to network with other professionals in early childhood

education.

Who do you contact for more information about Learning

Circles?

Your local VPK regional facilitator organizes and facilitates the

Learning Circles. You can find contact information for your regional

facilitator on the OEL website.

April

Circles

April

Participants

Total Learning

Circles in

2017-18

Total

Participants in

2017-18

Face-to-Face 15 120 128 1309

Web-Based 0 0 23 219

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Florida’s Office of Early Learning in collaboration with the Florida Department of Children and

Families (DCF) offers a variety of online and instructor-led training opportunities. To register for

any of these training opportunities, please visit DCF’s training website at http://bit.ly/1oHgYPm.

Professional Development

Online Courses April 2017-18 Total

Completers Completers

Standards for Four-Year-Olds 265 2782

Integrating the Standards: Phonological Awareness 68 403

Emergent Literacy for VPK Instructors 530 4484

Language and Vocabulary in the VPK Classroom 150 1122

Mathematical Thinking for Early Learners 229 1448

Working to Create Positive Learning Environments: Preventive Strategies 140 850

Developing the Socially and Emotionally Competent Child 115 602

English Language Learners in the VPK Classroom 85 622

How to Administer the Florida VPK Assessment 96 769

VPK Assessment Instructional Implications 58 409

VPK Director Credential Course 103 830

Instructor-led Courses April April 2017-18 Total Participants

Classes Participants

Standards for Four-Year-Olds 0 0 112

Integrating the Standards: Phonological Awareness 1 8 252

How to Administer the Florida VPK Assessment 0 0 351

VPK Assessment Instructional Implications 0 0 259

*EMEL: Making Sense of Sets and Numbers 6 60 847

*EMEL: Counting and Operating with Numbers 6 70 740

*EMEL: Patterns, Measurement and Data 7 51 804

*EMEL: Shapes and Spatial Relationships 13 141 515

*EMEL– Early Mathematics for Early Learners

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