Research proves that the preschool child learns best through playful exploration of the environment. This book shows how the learning environment can facilitate teaching by providing a curriculum that addresses children's interests and needs as well as the teacher's task of choosing appropriate activities for children's development. It describes ten learning centers that allow children to choose and direct their own play, and how teachers can arrange the physical environment of a preschool classroom so they can observe and support children in these activities. This new edition continues its use of children's picture books in every chapter to introduce projects, and to integrate new activities based on the books themselves. There are 60 children's computer programs and applicable software also discussed, as well as other helpful tools designed to assist the preschool teaching staff.