This digest explores uses of the Internet for early childhood educators. The first section discusses six popular features of the Internet: (1) electronic mail, which provides educators with a worldwide group of peers with whom to share information; (2) Internet discussion groups, which provide users with the opportunity to be part of electronic…

Describes a student project of the Anna Frank school for three to six year olds in Reggio Emilia, Italy, in which students developed creativity by exploring the world of dinosaurs. Underscores the reciprocity between children and teachers in guiding the project. (AC)

Describes a five-step process by which preschool teachers can meet the individual needs of all children, including those with disabilities, while maintaining a group instructional format. The process links assessment to curriculum, has planned teacher-directed individualized group instruction, implements behavior management techniques, and…

This paper presents an introduction to basic concepts of educational research for preschool, elementary, and secondary teachers at the Escuela Internacional Sampedrana (EIS) in Honduras who expressed interest in pursuing graduate education in the United States. EIS is a private bilingual (Spanish-English) K-12 school in Honduras. In the first part…

The first of three interactive staff development units on discipline in early childhood classrooms, this multi-media pack explores how to evaluate the attitudes teachers take into the classroom, and how to "reframe" those attitudes so teachers can effectively manage--rather than try to eliminate--conflict. The 25-minute teaching videotape examines…

The second of three interactive staff development units on discipline in early childhood classrooms, this multi-media pack explores the importance of the relationship between the teacher and child to discipline. The 25-minute teaching videotape notes the need to build a relationship with a child by interacting at times other than when the child is…

This book looks at how teachers and young children talk to each other in the classroom, describing how a good teacher will use these conversations to build an encouraging classroom--a community where mutual acceptance is the priority and where children can learn the skills they will need in larger communities in the future. The skills include…

This guide for trainers offers a comprehensive child-centered perspective on training field workers in early childhood education. The theme of the role of play in child growth, development, and learning runs throughout the guide while its form, a series of structured exercises to help trainers handle all aspects of the subject, emphasizes the…

Exploring and working with environmental issues can be exciting and enriching for Head Start staff. The goal of the technical guide is to broaden Head Start staff members' understanding of the natural environment so they can better incorporate environmental enrichment and environmental protection into their programs. The guide is organized into…

Based on the conviction that interaction with homeless people can erode negative stereotypes and be a contributing part of a teacher education curriculum, students enrolled in an Early Childhood Education (ECE) course at Kent State University were allowed to substitute an observation of children at a homeless shelter for other course requirements.…

This handbook for kindergarten teachers attempts to provide a foundation on which teachers can build dynamic kindergartens at the community level. The physical, social, and cultural characteristics of 5-year-olds are described. A philosophy for kindergarten is stated, and goals of kindergarten education are listed. Goals involve physical, social,…

A supervised, self-instructional training program for the professional development of child caregivers is offered. Included in this volume, the first of two, are orientation materials and six training modules that are organized around the first six functional areas of the Child Development Associate (CDA) Competency Standards. These areas concern…

Designed for Head Start grantees, this book provides training guidelines for improving Head Start staff competency. Chapter I offers a rationale for staff training activities, while chapter II characterizes the Head Start trainee. Chapter III addresses assessment of training needs on program and staff levels. The development of a training plan is…

Noting that peace concerns justice and respect for everyone's basic rights, this booklet examines how children, teachers, and parents understand peace, and how they can learn together to respect each other and create peaceful environments for young children. Following introductory remarks, it describes the visions of children, parents, and…

Noting the challenges presented for kindergarten teachers by current demands for accountability based on standardized measures that ignore diversity, this book presents ideas for implementing a developmentally-appropriate kindergarten curriculum within the constraints of American public schools. Following introductory remarks, the book is…