Early Childhood Learning Tools

The Ayers Institute is excited to share a free, comprehensive, professional learning program for early childhood educators working in a variety of settings. Our professional learning program includes model lesson videos, an online learning module, and a resource library with over 100 resources. These professional learning resources were created through a collaborative partnership with educators across middle Tennessee.

 
 
 

Resources

Our early childhood resource library hosts over 100 resources for early childhood teachers. Resources include, but aren’t limited to, small group lesson plans, interactive read aloud guides, classroom management tools, social-emotional learning resources, and professional growth resources for educators.

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Model Lesson Videos

Our model lesson videos feature three Nashville-area teachers in a variety of authentic classroom settings. The videos are designed for educators to explore 3 topics: writing opportunities in a pre-K classroom, mathematics opportunities in a pre-K classroom, and child-led inquiry through an emergent curriculum in a pre-K classroom. Each video has an accompanying facilitation guide for educators to use in leading group discussions.

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Online Learning Module

Our FREE online learning module, Fostering Language Development in a Pre-K Classroom, encourages early-childhood educators to consider the impact that daily conversation with young children has on literacy development. The module is designed for educators to work through independently or alongside a professional learning community as a literacy study. Upon completion of the module, educators receive a certificate of completion that can provide evidence of 6 hours of literacy professional learning.

 Details
 
Ayers Institute Pre-K Professional Learning Program Partners: United Way of Greater Nashville, Raising Readers Nashville, The Nashville Public Library, Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools, Metro Action Commission, Vanderbilt University, Tennessee Early Childhood Training Alliance (TECTA), Middle Tennessee State University, National Center for Families Learning, Tennessee Childcare Resource and Referral Network, Tennessee Department of Education Office of Early Literacy, Nashville Area Association for the Education of Young Children