Education for a civil society : How Guidance Teaches Young Children Democratic Life Skills

It matters that children gain, through teacher guidance, the social-emotional skills they need to succeed in and participate civilly in modern, democratic society. It matters to them―and to all of us.

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Today’s early childhood educators are looking for education models for the twenty-first century―models that tap into each child’s full learning potential and educate all children toward active participation in democracy. Tracing the historical roots of progressive education, and using anecdotes and case studies, Dan Gartrell argues that best practices in early childhood education, which include family-teacher partnerships, developmentally appropriate curriculum and assessment, and guidance, provide the framework for what the new education model for all levels of schooling should be: educating children for civil participation in society.

Through the use of guidance, Gartrell explains, teachers empower children to progress toward the five democratic life skills. These skills give young children the tools they need to function intelligently and ethically amidst the complexity and diversity of modern human life―and to ensure and sustain civil society into the next century.