Books

By Leslie Scheck

Director of Early Childhood Education, Temple Solel, Cardiff by the Sea

As early childhood educators within the Reform Jewish community, we understand that lifelong learning (Talmud Torah) is not just a value we teach — it is a value we live. Our youngest learners thrive when we, their teachers, are also growing, reflecting, and renewing our practice.

Continued professional learning is essential in early childhood education. Research in child development, brain science, and pedagogy continues to evolve. Staying engaged in learning ensures we can create environments rooted in best practices, support every child's development with care and wisdom, and model the very curiosity and love of learning we hope to nurture in our students.

Professional learning also strengthens our communities. When we learn together, we inspire one another, deepen our collective knowledge, and build stronger bonds rooted in a shared commitment to excellence and growth.

There are many ways to engage in professional learning. One powerful way to stay engaged is through reading and reflective dialogue. Here are several recommended books to inspire and support your journey:

• "The Whole-Brain Child" by Daniel J. Siegel and Tina Payne Bryson
  A clear guide to understanding young children's brains and supporting healthy development.
• "How to Talk So Little Kids Will Listen" by Joanna Faber and Julie King
  Practical communication strategies for connecting compassionately with young learners.
• "Developmentally Appropriate Practice in Early Childhood Programs" (NAEYC)
  A foundational guide outlining best practices in early learning environments.
• "The Importance of Being Little" by Erika Christakis
  A thoughtful exploration of how honoring children's perspectives leads to better learning.
• "Powerful Interactions" by Amy Laura Dombro, Judy Jablon, and Charlotte Stetson
  Tools for building intentional, meaningful relationships that extend children's learning.
• "Inspiring Early Childhood Leadership" by Susan MacDonald
  A motivational resource for growing as a leader in your school community.
• "What’s Jewish About Butterflies?" by Maxine Segal Handelman and Deborah L. Schein
  A beautiful integration of Jewish values and early childhood education, offering ideas for embedding Jewish identity and learning in everyday moments.
• "A New Vision for Early Childhood: Rethinking Our Relationships with Young Children" by Noah Hichenberg
  A fresh perspective on building authentic, respectful relationships with young children.
• "From Teaching to Thinking: A Pedagogy for Reimagining Our Work" by Ann Pelo and Margie Carter
  A call to move beyond rote teaching toward a reflective, inquiry-based approach to early childhood education.

In pursuing our own growth, we not only fulfill our professional responsibilities — we honor the sacred trust placed in us to guide and nurture the next generation with wisdom, compassion, and purpose.

I invite you to share your favorite title (from this list, or your own) - with a trusted colleague or member of your staff.  Keep the conversation and the learning going!

As we head toward the summer months, we should all try to find moments of peace. Those hours spent diving into a good book helps us tune out the world and tune into ourselves. Here is a list of books, suggested by ECE colleagues that you might want to check out. They are separated by personal and professional suggestions, but I have found that many books that are listed in the “professional” category, have also had an impact on my personal perspective too. Thanks to those who shared their favorites to be included in these lists. And if you have others to share, please add them to the thread in the forum.

Happy reading!!!

The BEST of …Professional Reads

1. Teaching to Thinking by Ann Pelo and Margie Carter,
2. Appreciative Leadership by Diane Whitney
3. Difficult Conversations: How to Discuss What Matters Most by Douglas Stone
4. The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey
5. Dare to Lead by Brene Brown
6. Start with Why by Simon Sinek
7. The Importance of Being Little by Erika Christakis

The BEST of… Relaxing, enjoyable summer reads

1. Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus
2. Fresh Water for Flowers by Valerie Perrin
3. The Personal Librarian by Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray
4. The Lincoln Highway by Amor Towles
5. The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd
6. A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles
7. Tomorrow, Tomorrow and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin
8. The Candy House by Jennifer Egan
9. Daisy Jones and the Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid

Jennie Rubin

Assistant Director of ECE

Temple Sharey Tefilo-Israel

South Orange, NJ