This book synthesises research on very early language learning in pre-primary organised instruction settings such as kindergarten, nursery or afternoon classes. Using a framework of ecological development, it investigates the nested systems in which very young learners operate, the other agents involved in each of these systems and the influence…

"Making the Grade analyzes the condition of public school funding in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. The current report presents a picture of school funding in 2020-2021, the first full school year of the COVID-19 pandemic and the most recent data available. The report ranks and grades each state on three measures to answer the…

This practical resource explains brain development from prenatal to age 8 with suggestions for activities educators and caregivers can use to foster children's cognitive growth. The authors begin with the basics of brain development, and the issues that affect it, and then provide information specific to infant, toddler, preschool, and…

This integrative text spotlights what educators need to know about children's cognitive development across grade levels (PreK-12) and content areas. The book provides a concise introduction to developmental neuroscience and theories of learning. Chapters on general cognitive abilities probe such crucial questions as what children are capable of…

In statehouses, school boards, and communities across the US, battles are raging over the direction of education policy--from the standards that are shaping what students learn to how test results are being used to judge a teacher's performance. These battles are being waged against a backdrop of shifting demographics, rapidly developing…

With the shift towards the knowledge society, the change of working conditions, and the high-speed evolution of information and communication technologies, peoples' knowledge and skills need continuous updating. Learning based on collaborative working, creativity, multidisciplinarity, adaptiveness, intercultural communication, and problem solving…

The goals of this practicum were to improve kindergarten music instruction by providing the classroom teacher with (1) kindergarten music instructional objectives; (2) a kindergarten skills development sequence; (3) tested sample unit study plans for an interdisciplinary approach to music instruction; and (4) an orientation class in music…

"Wildlife is Basic" is a part of a series of materials in the Wildlife Education Service for Kansas youth series. The goal of the program is to provide information about wildlife and to establish in children an awareness and appreciation of wildlife. This booklet was written for preschool and kindergarten children but can be easily…

Sex role identification and socialization occur during early childhood years. Toys, books, materials, and attitudes of child care givers and preschool teachers in organized educational and social activities, such as nursery schools, preschools, and group care, can be used to help combat or reduce sex stereotyping. The materials contained in this…