Creating Young Expert Learners

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.

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.