Full Description
A practical UDL implementation guide built around the early childhood classroom day
Most Universal Design for Learning resources target upper grades or lean on theory. UDL for Little Learners organizes strategies around the natural rhythms of a Pre-K-2 day—from arrival and calendar time through recess and dismissal. Written by Jeff Horwitz, a UDL-certified educator with over 20 years of early childhood experience, this book identifies predictable barriers and offers flexible, low-prep solutions.
Each chapter maps to a familiar segment of the school day, making it easy for teachers to locate relevant strategies quickly. The book features real classroom stories, visual supports, and "Try It Tomorrow" tips designed for immediate implementation. Reflection questions throughout support both individual study and professional learning community use, making the book a ready-made resource for team-based professional development across grade-level teams or entire schools.
You'll also discover:
Strategies for designing inclusive experiences that address learner variability from preschool to 2nd grade
Low-prep, flexible approaches to common instructional moments including morning meetings, transitions, and structured small-group learning time
Visual supports and real classroom stories that ground each UDL principle in authentic early childhood practice
Reflection questions and structured discussion prompts designed specifically for use in professional learning communities available as an extra online resource
Guidance for administrators and instructional coaches seeking to implement UDL practices school-wide with early childhood teams
UDL for Little Learners serves Pre-K-2 teachers, instructional coaches, and school administrators seeking a field-tested resource for implementing Universal Design for Learning in early childhood settings. By organizing strategies around the familiar structure of the school day, it gives educators an actionable framework for designing inclusive classrooms that account for learner variability from the start.
Contents
Introduction
Part 1: Background
Chapter 1. What is Universal Design for Learning?
Chapter 2. Designing the Physical Environment
Chapter 3. Community and Connections
Part 2: Embedded Practices
Chapter 4. Transitions
Chapter 5. Reflection
Chapter 6. Small Group Instruction
Chapter 7. Emotional Literacy
Chapter 8. Centers
Part 3: From the Day
Chapter 9. Arrival and Morning Routines
Chapter 10. Morning Meeting
Chapter 11. Calendar
Chapter 12. Reading, Phonics, and Literacy
Chapter 13. Writing
Chapter 14. Recess
Chapter 15. Math
Chapter 16. Read Alouds and Reading Comprehension
Chapter 17. Closing Circle & Dismissal
Chapter 18. Where to Go From Here
Sources
Acknowledgments
Author Bio
