Overview

More Than We Imagined: Appreciative Inquiry for Early Childhood and Everywhere That Matters invites educators, leaders, and caregivers to reimagine what's possible in early learning environments through a strengths-based, reflective lens. Grounded in the principles of Appreciative Inquiry, this book offers practical tools and inspiring stories that illuminate how joy, curiosity, and relationship-based teaching can transform classrooms, teams, and communities. With concepts like the Triple R Framework(TM) (Relevance, Relationship, Reflection), readers are guided to shift from problem-focused mindsets to possibility-driven practices that nurture both children and the adults who care for them. Designed for early childhood educators, program directors, family child care providers, and educational leaders, this book blends professional development with personal growth. It explores how emotional intelligence, growth mindset, and resilience can prevent burnout and foster sustainable, thriving learning spaces. Whether you're leading a classroom, mentoring a team, or guiding a community of practice, More Than We Imagined offers a powerful roadmap for building strengths-based, joyful, and sustainable approaches to teaching and leadership.

Full Product Details

9781967024148

Table of Contents

Reviews

""This book is such a beautiful contribution to the field. It takes Appreciative Inquiry out of theory and brings it to life - in classrooms, in teams, in policy, and in our everyday work with children and families. Each principle is broken down with such clarity and care, paired with thoughtful, practical ways to put it into action. What I love most is how it expands your way of seeing - it cracks something open, inviting you to see the totality of possibilities that emerge when we lead with curiosity, strength, and appreciation. Thank you, Ellen, for the powerful reminder that real change begins in how we choose to see what and who is before us."" -Alicia Barnatchez, Senior Director of Programs, Life is Good Playmaker Project ""Ellen Drolette is a powerful voice in early childhood. The book you hold in your hand takes the basic psychological principle of ""What we focus on grows"" and expands it into a robust philosophy of working with children, one that will transform not just your teaching practice, but your life. Appreciative Inquiry is the kind of AI we can all get behind."" -Teacher Tom, Author, Educator

Author Information

Ellen M. Drolette is a nationally recognized early childhood consultant, author, and speaker who has spent over three decades championing children, families, and educators. Her work is grounded in strengths-based leadership, reflective practice, and the principles of Appreciative Inquiry. Ellen's unique approach blends real-world experience with research-informed tools that support resilience, emotional intelligence, and sustainable change in early learning environments.She is the creator of the Triple R Framework(TM), Relevance, Relationship, and Reflection-and a longtime advocate for shifting early education away from burnout and toward possibility. Ellen's writing and speaking engagements have inspired educators across the U.S. and internationally. In addition to her work as a consultant and mentor, she is the author of Overcoming Teacher Burnout in Early Childhood and the founder of Positive Spin VT. Ellen lives in Vermont and continues to support professional development that brings joy, purpose, and connection back to the heart of education.

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