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Book Recommendations for Early Childhood Educators
Reading (or listening to) books is a great way to continue learning to learn. We asked our instructional design team to tell us their favorite books for educators. These books are great for parents, teachers, caregivers, and directors.
Don’t worry though, anyone involved in the life of a child can enjoy reading these books. They’ll help anyone discover more about children and their development. We’ve compiled a list of books to get you started. If you think a book is missing, please tell us. We’d love to add to this list, so let us know your favorites. As an Amazon Affiliate, some commissions may be earned through purchases from the links below.
- Conscious Discipline: Building Resilient Classrooms by Dr. Becky Bailey
Conscious Discipline introduces a new classroom approach to social & emotional learning (SEL). It addresses the adult’s mindset and skillset first. Then adults teach these SEL skills to children.
By reading, educators and caregivers learn how to build fair classrooms and schools. Emphasizing safety and connection. This provides a nurturing learning environment for every child. With safety, trust, and cooperation, interactions and conflicts become meaningful learning opportunities!
- Daring Greatly: How the Courage to Be Vulnerable Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent, and Lead by Brené Brown Brown
This book explains how vulnerability is both the core of difficult emotions like fear, grief, and disappointment. As well as the birthplace of love, belonging, joy, empathy, innovation, and creativity.
Brown writes: “When we shut ourselves off from vulnerability, we distance ourselves from the experiences that bring purpose and meaning to our lives.” Daring Greatly is not about winning or losing. It’s about courage.
Putting ourselves out there means there’s a far greater risk of getting criticized. But when we step back and examine our lives... we’ll find nothing is as uncomfortable, dangerous, and hurtful as standing on the outside. Looking in and wondering what it would be like if we had the courage to step into the arena. It could be a new relationship, an important meeting, the creative process, or a difficult family conversation.
Daring Greatly is a practice and a powerful new vision for letting ourselves be seen.
- The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz
In The Four Agreements, Don Miguel Ruiz reveals the source of self-limiting beliefs that rob us of joy and create needless suffering. Based on ancient Toltec wisdom, The Four Agreements offer a powerful code of conduct. It can transform our lives into a new experience of freedom, true happiness, and love.
- No-Drama Discipline: The Whole-Brain Way to Calm the Chaos and Nurture Your Child's Developing Mind by Daniel J. Siegel and Tina Payne Bryson
No-Drama Discipline provides an effective and compassionate road map for tantrums, tensions, and tears. Without causing a scene. The book highlights the link between a child’s development and the way a parent reacts to misbehavior.
The authors explain how to reach your child, redirect emotions, and turn a meltdown into an opportunity for growth. By doing so, the cycle of negative behavior (and punishment) is brought to a halt, as problem-solving becomes a win/win situation.
Let us know your favorite book recommendations and why you like them, and we will add them to this list.
Ready to start a book club with your children? Check out our monthly book club list.
