Engaging Children's Minds: The Project Approach - Second Edition - Book Review

Adolescence, Fall, 2002

KATZ, Lilian G., & CHARD, Sylvia C. Engaging Children's Minds: The Project Approach (Second Edition). Stamford, CT: Ablex Publishing, 2000. 215pp. $73.25 (h), $29.50 (p).

This new edition incorporates many insights and strategies the authors have learned while working extensively with teachers to implement the project approach. Since the first edition was published in 1989, the authors have continued to help teachers around the world understand the benefits of this approach. Katz and Chard discuss in great detail the philosophical, theoretical, and research bases of project work. The typical phases are presented and detailed suggestions for implementing each one are described. Using specific examples, this book clarifies and articulates the process and benefits of the project approach. These specific examples outline how children's intellectual development is enhanced. Years of working with teachers and young children from preschool to primary age provide the authors with first-hand experience for employing the project approach. Helpful guidelines will aid teachers in working with this approach comfortably in order to gain the interest of children and in order for those childr en to grow and flourish mentally.