Ready to Learn
A crash course in child development, and how children experience school
by James Dylan Smith

---

In today’s fast-paced educational environment, teachers are constantly seeking ways to improve their practice while streamlining the high demands of their day-to-day work. Ready to Learn bridges the gap between psychology and education, offering fresh insights that empower educators to connect research with practical strategies. The book begins by exploring the rich histories of psychological research on learning and development, providing educators with a thorough understanding of how children grow, develop, and learn. From there, it focuses on the application of these insights, showing how knowledge of psychology can help educators refine their classroom practices, promote school readiness, and support diverse learners. Drawing on interdisciplinary connections between psychology, neuroscience, and education, Ready to Learn offers a unique perspective on the complexities of teaching. It highlights how understanding child development can help educators navigate the intricacies of instruction, improve practice, and create a more effective and inclusive learning environment. This book is an invaluable resource for educators who want to enhance their classroom strategies with evidence-based insights, as well as for academics and researchers seeking to deepen and diversify their understanding of learning. It also speaks to school leaders, policymakers, and other public education stakeholders who want to support teachers in meeting the challenges of modern education while maximizing student achievement and well-being. Whether you’re looking for practical tools to implement in the classroom or seeking a deeper understanding of how children develop, Ready to Learn offers a comprehensive guide to improving education—one classroom at a time.

www.jdylansmith.com

---

“A resource that bridges the gap between complex scientific research and real-world teaching practice.” —Dr. Carlton Fong, Assistant Professor, Texas State University; researcher in educational psychology and achievement motivation “Jump into the book at any chapter and follow your own path of inquiry into how the psychology of child development informs classroom practice.” —Ralph Pantozzi, Teacher, Winner of the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics Teaching and Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellow “This book provides an essential education for teachers and leaders.” —Oliver Caviglioli, Information Designer; author and co-founder of Teaching WalkThrus “There is much to learn from this new resource.” —Beate Planche EdD, Former Superintendent of Curriculum and Instructional Services, YRDSB; Assistant Professor (LD/PT), Standing Appointment, Graduate Education, Western University

---

James Dylan Smith is an experienced educator, researcher, and leader with thirty years of service in public education. He has worked in a wide range of roles—including teacher, special educator, school leader, and district-wide professional development. With a strong foundation in psychology and research, Smith has dedicated his career to improving educational practice, particularly in areas such as instructional design, special education, and professional development for both teachers and early-career administrators. Smith is known for his work in developing practical, research-informed strategies to support all learners. He has contributed to the field through various publications, including systemwide training documents focused on differentiation for gifted students, and has served as a centrally assigned educator. Throughout his career, Dylan has been passionate about bridging the gap between educational theory and practice to empower educators with the tools and insights they need to succeed. He is committed to making a significant impact by improving classroom experience for students and teachers alike. In addition to his career in education, Dylan shares his insights and engages with other education professionals and scholars on his new Twitter account, where he can be followed at @warmMagnet.

---

Contributors

Author

James Dylan Smith

---

FriesenPress Editions

---

---

Other eBook Editions

This book is also available in eBook format from these sites.

• Google Play