The early emergent stage of writing consists of drawing and scribbling. This article provides a rationale for teachers to reframe their dispositions toward scribbling and reshape their interactions with writers in the early emergent stage. These teaching tips were derived from the authors' study of teacher, parent, and young students' perceptions…

Jennifer Miller is a special education preschool teacher at Grant Elementary School in Muscatine, Iowa. In this article, she describes how she created and implemented a learning center with three-to-five-year-old students in an integrated morning class (nine students; four on IEPs) and an integrated afternoon class (10 students; four on IEPs) to…

Preschool teachers use the domino effect--standing dominos on end in rows and pushing one over--to examine how play contributes to children's acquisition of knowledge. Using diagrams, photos, and vignettes of children between the ages of 3 and 5 years, the authors demonstrate how children at different stages of development use physical knowledge…

Addresses typical questions raised by parents regarding early childhood education. References are provided for parents who want further information. (AS)

Presents preschool and kindergarten teachers with ideas and guidelines for teaching mathematics, focusing on the processes of classifying, comparing, matching, adding, and subtracting in relation to number sets, especially as children encounter sets in play settings. (BB)

Incorporates dramatization into science teaching to explain difficult phenomena. Uses three different types of dramatization: teacher-performed dramatization, teacher-directed dramatization, and student-directed dramatization. Presents student analyses of the dramatizations. Introduces an instrument that is designed to measure student perceptions…

Discusses the role early-childhood professionals can play in helping divorced fathers be more involved in the lives of their children. Strategies include involving fathers in school and classroom activities and serving as child-care consultants. Benefits for children, such as improved emotional health and educational experiences, are discussed.…

Discusses ways for teachers to heighten children's awareness of nature and the environment and, thus, affect the children's actions and attitudes toward nature. Describes the use of fishing activities in the classroom as an example of guided exposure to wise use of natural resources. (BB)

Notes the importance of skilled classroom observation, and examines how early childhood teachers can improve their classroom observation and recordkeeping techniques. Discusses the advantages and disadvantages of methods of recording teacher observations, such as 3x5 cards, audio- and videotapes, and spiral notebooks. Elements of daily observation…

Suggests that preschool teachers use conflict resolution and discipline techniques such as redirection of activities and face-to-face discussions of infractions or problems rather than the over-used "time-out" form of punishment, according to which the child has to sit in a corner for a period of time. (MDM)

Presents strategies for early childhood educators and child caregivers for identifying potential developmental delays and disabilities among the children they work with. Suggests using a developmental checklist, documenting actual activities, talking with the director, meeting with the parents, and referring parents to the appropriate agency. (KB)

Demonstrates how Piaget's theoretical framework of a preschool science curriculum, with illustrative experiences using paints, sound, and food, can help teachers develop their ability to provide appropriate science experiences in their classroom. The framework can also help teachers evaluate the activities suggested in literature. (BB)

Discusses some teaching strategies and classroom activities that kindergarten teachers can use to enhance the natural development of writing--from scribbling to writing meaningful messages--in children. (BB)

Maintains that graduation exercises are developmentally inappropriate for young children. Discusses developmentally appropriate alternative end-of-the-year activities. (BB)

Presents a rationale for practicing democracy with four and five year olds. Discusses techniques and activities that enhance children's understanding of democracy. (BB)