VGCC Faculty Member Writes Books To Assist Early Childhood Teachers

When students complete early childhood training and begin working in the field, they need resource books to help them in their profession.

Jennifer Johnson, program head and instructor for the Early Childhood program at Vance-Granville Community College, has written two such books. The first, Creative Activities for Young Children, was published Sept. 1, and a second, Math and Science Activities for Young Children, will hit the market in December.

Johnson said the books’ publisher, Thomson Delmar Learning, approached her about writing the books. “They said teachers in the workplace (day care centers and Head Start programs) needed specific resources to give them ideas and projects they can use in their classrooms. I did the leg work for the teachers and found Web sites, games and books they can read to children.”

The introduction to Creative Activities for Young Children says that when new teachers leave the classroom and take their first teaching positions, they are often left to travel their own paths and rely on their own resources. “Whatever your situation, this professional enhancement guide is designed to provide reminders of what you have learned, as well as resources to help you make sense of and apply that knowledge,” the introduction says.

Included in Creative Activities are sections on tips for success, developmental checklists, play materials for children, curriculum and lesson plans, books for children, case studies, resource lists, and many other topics. “It was fun compiling all these resources,” Johnson said.

Jennifer Johnson earned a B.S. in elementary education from UNC-Greensboro and a master’s in education from UNC-Charlotte. She taught in public and private elementary schools before joining Rowan-Cabarrus Community College. She has been at Vance-Granville seven years, first as an Early Childhood instructor and the past two years as program head.

VGCC President Randy Parker said, “We are proud of Jennifer Johnson’s success in writing these books to help young teachers be successful in their field. Vance-Granville is indeed fortunate to have a person of Jennifer’s talents heading up its Early Childhood program.”