Early childhood teachers are faced with many more choices and decisions regarding the development of their curriculum than ever before. The development of state standards for young children in prekindergarten (pre-K) programs not only provides guidance but also places demands on content that must be addressed. Finding the time to plan creative…

Stressing pragmatics (the way a person uses language in psychosocial situations) in child language can help the teacher both in identifying what the child is ready to learn and providing appropriate instructional intervention. (DB)

Socially withdrawn preschoolers can be encouraged to interact with peers by appointing them as classroom managers. Such an approach can be used within the existing classroom structure and requires no major changes in teacher or student practices. (CL)

Suggests that the socialization of children works against their creativity. Argues that increasing children's exploratory opportunities results in raising the likelihood of new discoveries. Concludes that the establishment of a structure for fostering creativity is a key factor in promoting child development. (SG)

This article presents ideas for using play activities to support the development of emergent literacy skills in young children, including those with disabilities. Four principles of promoting early literacy skills are explained and applied to activities in block and microsymbolic play, macrosymbolic play, and fluid construction play. The…

Teachers of very young children have the awesome task of providing rich information and experiences that build skills and understanding in the context of every day routines and within intentionally-designed play opportunities that capture children's interests, wonder and curiosity so they want to know more. Pennsylvania's learning standards join…

Patterning is an essential skill in early mathematics learning, particularly in the development of spatial awareness, sequencing and ordering, comparison, and classification. This includes the ability to identify and describe attributes of objects and similarities and differences between them. Patterning is also integral to the development of…

Compliance with adult instructions is crucial to children's academic and social success. One strategy that has proven particularly successful in increasing compliance is the use of a high probability command sequence (HPCS) prior to delivering a low probability request. However, most studies conducted in school settings have focused on the…

This book, updated since initial publication in 1989, offers explanations, practical tips, and encouragement for teachers and families of preschool children facing the excitement--and stress--of separation. Topics discussed include ambivalence about separation and attachment, the comfort of routines, understanding the child perspective, supporting…

The manual includes lesson plans and suggestions for introducting handicapped children to good nutrition through enjoyable activities. Special considerations for specific types of handicaps are briefly noted (including safety considerations for children with physical disabilities). Each lesson is organized according to purpose, teacher objectives,…

A classroom calendar, created and used for recording events to illustrate the passage of time and to record school experiences was particularly helpful for a student with a communication disorder who needed more structure for understanding time concepts. Spin-off activities include recreating experiences and illustrating calendar activities. (CB)

Provides a guide to the selection of safe and appropriate playground equipment for day care centers. Stresses the need for developmental appropriateness, careful choice of equipment, and adequate supervision. (SKC)

Proposes woodworking as an appropriate play media for preschoolers. Points out the educational opportunities of woodworking and outlines the contents of a prospective "Carpenter Shop." Discusses precautions to be observed when children work with tools. (DR)

An art activity to help preschool and first-grade children practice folding skills, explore methods and patterns of order and arrangement, and use counting skills is described. (RM)

Presents results of a study of the effects of advance organizer instruction on preschool children's learning of the musical concepts of dynamics, pitch, tempo, and rhythm. Reports that three modes and three methods of presentation were evaluated. Concludes that, although results did vary with mode, the method of presentation had no significant…