Four early childhood teachers have collaborated to create an energy-packed theme-based curriculum "exploding" with classroom tested ideas. Themestorming looks at curriculum in a different way. Ten theme-based chapters including Sticky; Giant Teeny Tiny; Muddy Puddles, Soap and Bubbles; and Meanies, Monsters and Make Believe examine ideas from a different perspective and awaken both the teacher's and children's interests.
The authors are early childhood teachers at the Litchfield Pre-Kindergarten in Illinois. The state-funded program for at-risk students has been recognized as an exemplary project and has served as an observation site for other teachers.
Joni Becker and Karen Reid have taught three, four, and five year olds for eight and nine years respectively. Peggy Wieck has taught early childhood for 14 years; and Pat Steinhaus has 12 years experience in day care centers and with toddlers and preschoolers. The authors have shared their ThemeStorming ideas at many workshops and conferences throughout Illinois.