This book uses a collection of stories, or "cases," as a basis for reflection, discussion, and learning about the many roles "play" has in children's lives. Each of the 12 cases addresses an issue of play from one of three categories--the role of adults in play, the cultural meanings of play, and the issues related to play in…

Twenty-two articles present ways librarians who work with young people have reached out to the community. Most describe cooperative efforts between schools and public libraries. Other topics include a school read-aloud program, a public library's work with preschoolers, common elements in guidelines for school and public libraries, and management…

An increased emphasis on an early start in group day care and educational settings for young children means that by the time children enter statutory education, they may already have had several transitional experiences: each will have an impact. This book explores early transitions from a variety of international perspectives. Each chapter is…

In this collection, the contributors look at the current spread of universalizing discourses concerning young children across the globe, examining the way these discourses, which purport to describe everyone in a scientific and neutral way, actually create mechanisms through which children are divided and excluded. The contributors to this book…

These four early childhood education conference papers discuss ideas and themes to create healthy educational environments inspired by preschool sites in Reggio Emilia, Italy. The first paper, "Environmental Visions: Daisies and the Possible" (Alma Fleet and Janet Robertson), discusses the influences of Reggio Emilia. The paper notes how…

This document contains the following papers focusing on contexts and activities in which teachers can use technology to promote learning with young children: (1) "Read, Write and Click: Using Digital Camera Technology in a Language Arts and Literacy K-5 Classroom" (Judith F. Robbins and Jacqueline Bedell); (2) "Technology for the…

Garber and D. Hodge argue that preschool education should not be asked to inoculate children against school failure. It is enough that it supports the experience of learning. H. H. Spitz responds that Locurto has not gone far enough in his criticism, whereas C. Locurto defends his position. (SLD)

In this book, Ann Browne draws on research findings and good practice to provide practical and guidance about working with young children aged 3-5 years in nursery and reception classes. The author covers all of the key theoretical issues, providing a wealth of classroom examples. Practical suggestions for activities and resources include ways of…

Designed to appeal to children who are entering the world of poetry for the first time, this collection combines the traditional with the contemporary. It could be used equally well at home or in the book corner of a primary classroom. The collection includes poems by such classic children's writers as A. A. Milne, Ogden Nash, Christina Rosetti,…

The materials included in this document are intended to articulate the intent of the framers of the Education for the Handicapped Act Amendments of 1986, Public Law 99-457. The first paper, "A Window of Opportunity," is the text of a speech by Robert Silverstein, Staff Director and Chief Counsel of the Subcommittee on the Handicapped of…

This collection of conference abstracts focuses on new directions for research on mental representation and early language development. One page summaries are provided on the following topics: Mental Representation and Initial Language Learning, by Lorraine M. Nicolich; Critical Issues in Language and Cognitive Development, by Roberta Corrigan;…

"R&D Alert" covers issues affecting schools in the Western Regional Educational Laboratory's four-state region--Arizona, California, Nevada, and Utah--and throughout the United States. This issue focuses on early childhood education. While the importance of early childhood education has long been recognized, traditional ideas of …

Effects of preschool education beyond increase in intelligence quotient (IQ) are explored. The conclusion that preschool programs engender relatively few lasting beyond-IQ effects is challenged by L. J. Schweinhart and D. P. Weikart in their response contending that preschool education enhances general competence throughout life. (SLD)

Intended for parents to read to their infants and young children, this booklet of mostly traditional nursery rhymes has been designed and illustrated by elementary school students. Each of the 16 nursery rhymes in the booklet is accompanied by short instructive or informational remarks which reiterate the importance of parents' reading to their…

Current debates regarding teaching children to read are centered around the most effective way to establish a foundation for literacy in the early years. This document is comprised of a set of three position papers on how the High/Scope Educational Research Foundation teaches young children to read in its infant-toddler, preschool, and early…