Creating Young Expert Learners - by Marla J Lohmann (Paperback)

About the Book

"This book includes a theoretical introduction to the concept of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) as it applies to young children, as well as practical examples of common early childhood learning units designed within a UDL framework. Vignettes and examples help early childhood educators connect the theory to practice and sample learning units are included for teachers to use in their own classrooms"--

Book Synopsis

Implement Universal Design for Learning in your preschool or kindergarten classroom

Creating Young Expert Learners is an accessible and engaging guide for early childhood educators. Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is a framework for the proactive design of classroom instruction, with an emphasis on meeting the needs of learners of all abilities in the classroom. With three principles at its core--multiple means of engagement, multiple means of representation, and multiple means action and expression--UDL is based in the science of learning to ensure that classroom instruction offers the supports needed to help young children become expert learners who take ownership of their own learning.

Creating Young Expert Learners includes a theoretical introduction to the concept of UDL as it applies to young children, as well as practical examples of common early childhood learning units designed within a UDL framework. Vignettes and examples help early childhood educators connect the theory to practice and sample learning units are included for teachers to use in their own classrooms. Use UDL to help you design your teaching to reach all the children in your early childhood program.

Review Quotes

I was so excited to read Marla's book and see that there was a UDL focus for early childhood. This book will be a great tool for all early childhood teachers hoping to have a more inclusive classroom and meet the learning needs of all children. There's also a ton of resources that Marla identifies in each chapter that extends the material in the textbook that extends the content and gives practical and economical ideas on how to use each principle of universal design of learning in an early childhood environment.

--Samantha Riggleman, assistant professor in the Special Education Department at Saint Joseph's University, Philadelphia

Marla makes Universal Design for Learning (UDL) accessible for educators by offering relatable analogies, clear explanations and connecting the work to align with familiar professional organizations such as the NAEYC. The text is approachable, affirming the expertise and experiences of the reader while also providing resources throughout to explore specific concepts more deeply. She includes example lesson plans and assessment ideas that could immediately be implemented into practice. Educators will appreciate the practicality of this book!

-- Andrea Laser, EdD

Marla Lohmann provides an indispensable roadmap for understanding universal design for learning in the early childhood education context. Through rich and engaging vignettes, multiple comprehensive strategy descriptions, and connections to additional resources, Marla gives us the information needed to not just understand the concepts but actually move to implementation. With this resource early childhood educators can hit the ground running as they create learning environments in which each and every child can thrive.

--Eva Horn, author of Six Steps to Inclusive Preschool Curriculum: A UDL-Based Framework, professor emeritus School of Education and Human Development, University of Kansas-Lawrence

About the Author

Marla J. Lohmann holds a PhD from the University of North Texas and is currently an associate professor of special education at Colorado Christian University. She is the co-chair of the TED Early Childhood Special Interest Group and the Secretary for the Colorado CEC Division for Early Childhood. She conducts research in the areas of effective inclusive instruction in early childhood and elementary settings, as well online teacher preparation. She previously worked as adjunct faculty at Regis University in Denver, CO and the University of Zambia. Dr. Lohmann's other work experience includes learning behavior specialist for the Wilmette School District in Illinois and an elementary life skills teacher.

She is the author of Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports for Preschool and Kindergarten.