"This thoughtful guide to preschool teaching is exquisitely detailed and imbued with the author"s deep respect for children. It will serve as an inspiration for prospective teachers, as a reaffirmation for veteran teachers, and as a window into the complexities of the classroom for parents." -- Leonard W. Hamilton, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey This is a down-to-earth, heart-to-heart book about what it takes to be an exceptional early childhood teacher. The author uses her experience as a classroom observer and a developmental psychologist to create a rationale for best practice -- the reasoning behind the best (worst and average) classroom practice. Cindy Rzasa Bess examines a variety of classroom scenarios and describes how teaching was done well or how it could be done better. She clearly illustrates how simple changes and heart-felt efforts can have outstanding results. This informative book will appeal to readers on a personal level and instill in them the need to fully understand their important role in a child"s life.