Discusses challenges to early childhood educators in terms of four principles: (1) congruity, (2) knowing the learner's understanding of what is to be learned, (3) timing, and (4) sociointellectual ambience. (BE/JH)

Suggests that early childhood teachers should eliminate boring, repetitive activities from their curriculum and engage students' minds in activities that stimulate thinking and reasoning. Instead of making paper snowflakes, for example, children might discuss and examine the characteristics of snow, study weather, and engage in other creative…

Proposes replacing the term child-centered with child-sensitive to indicate more accurately the major role of teachers in determining the curriculum and activities offered to young children. In contrast to the laissez-faire, child-indulgent approach of many child-centered programs, a child sensitive approach would encourage teachers to capitalize…