Intended to help teachers put early childhood theories and information into daily lesson planning, this guide provides a system for organizing lesson objectives, methods, and materials in order to write effective lesson plans. Chapter 1 introduces the guidebook and covers a lesson planning system, developmentally appropriate practice, standards in the field, and self-study activities. Chapter 2 addresses child development knowledge and planning for young children, including planning for children's health and well-being. Chapter 3 addresses interest-based planning, and includes spontaneous curriculum planning, horizontal curriculum planning, and teachable moments. Chapter 4 addresses skill focused planning and includes guidance for planning and managing skill-focused activities. Chapter 5 addresses daily schedules and lesson plans, and includes time management techniques. Chapter 6, on "putting it together," includes a ten-step method of daily lesson planning. Chapter 7 addresses individualizing the lesson plan and includes screening instruments and methods of observation. Chapter 8 addresses the basic elements of the setting, and includes utilization of learning centers. Chapter 9 addresses "free choice," and includes how children learn and educational goals. Chapter 10 addresses priorities in early childhood lesson planning, such as literacy, discovery learning, and parental involvement. Chapter 11 addresses integrated activities, including simple and complex activities, and transferring information. Three appendices contain skill-focused activities, a self-assessment checklist, and resources for further reading. (SD)