class book worms. They also offer materials at the same time of year; for example, reading books about how animals adapt to survive New England winters.
A Model of Cooperation
Through their well-developed professional relationship, Leslie and Jennie are able to plan ahead, anticipate children’ s needs, connect to children’ s assets, and individualize their teaching to support each child across the preschool and kindergarten years. This has led to a smoother preschool-to-kindergarten transition, with children who are more comfortable, regulated, and engaged in learning. It has also enriched the educators’ teaching practices: By having someone to discuss ideas and plan with, the two have essentially developed a teaching team that spans their two grade levels. Additionally, their partnership has bridged a deeper connection with families. Jennie and Leslie have planned multi-age family and learning events, which have fostered longer term relationships with families. Their collaboration offers a powerful model of cooperation for other pre-K and kindergarten educators and administrators.
40 Educating Young Children
Spring 2026