Discusses the importance of block play--including its contributions to perceptual, fine motor, and cognitive development--and components of a good preschool block play area. Recommends unit blocks complemented by stacking blocks, toys, beads, cubes, and Brio wooden toys. Makes recommendations for space, size, locations and connections to other…

Discussion of ways to encourage walking by young children with visual impairments first notes factors that constrain motor development. Suggestions include providing incentives for movement, building trust, fostering postural readiness, encouraging cruising, utilizing familiar spaces and short distances, and using protective and support devices…

Provides guidelines for Head Start teachers and administrators to determine the utility of classroom rules. Notes that, although some rules are necessary to maintain classroom discipline and a healthy learning environment, others may serve no useful purpose and actually hinder learning opportunities. Lists 10 points to consider when evaluating a…

Discussion of criteria for evaluating qualitative reports of early intervention research identifies four important criteria: (1) where the investigators are coming from; (2) what they did; (3) how they arrived at their findings; and (4) what the study means. A checklist of key indicators of quality in reports of qualitative research is attached.…

This article describes a learning activity in which preschool children learn cooperative skills and metacognitive strategies as they master sharing strategies guided by leaves on a "sharing tree." Leaf colors (red, yellow, green) cue the child to stop, slow down and think about sharing and playing with others, and go ahead with a sharing activity.…

Provides insight into programming for preschoolers. Finds that adults continue the educational process with their children long after they have left the classroom. (CCM)

Noting that children will adjust their food intake to their energy needs, and that offering a variety of foods often will increase their acceptance of new foods, this guide offers instruction on the proper feeding of children ages 3 to 5 in Pennsylvania's Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP). The menus presented in the guide follow the…

The role and objectives of music education in the elementary-secondary curriculum are outlined. Separate sections discuss the behavioral outcomes of music education and methods for integrating music instruction into the educational programs for 3 to 4 year olds, 5 to 8 year olds, 9 to 11 year olds, 12 to 14 year olds, and 15 to 17 year olds. The…

This article discusses the nature of science and of the child, and the implications of these natures for the teaching of science in the preschool. It is argued that science has three interrelated aspects: content, process, and attitude. Science education should integrate all three aspects. Content can be separated into the areas of physical, life,…

The booklet contains a collection of separate short guidelines, checklists, and recommendations for parents and teachers of young gifted children and is divided into sections on characteristics/identification, parenting, and maximizing the child's potential. Titles of components include the following: "Characteristics of Advanced Abilities in…

The handbook describes the Home Start Training Center's approach to serving Head Start families. Much of the program is focused on the Portage Project and on early intervention efforts for preschoolers. The first of the major parts of the handbook presents an overview of the approach, reviewing the philosophy of parent-focused home-based…

Presented in a question and answer format, the paper examines ways to provide resource services to handicapped children within the regular preschool or kindergarten class. Benefits (such as the presence of appropriate role models and increased acceptance of individual differences) of resource services in the regular classroom for both the special…

Designed to help parents meet the extra needs of preschool handicapped children, the booklet, written in Spanish, provides information and practical suggestions for dealing with self image, creativity, and discipline. Described are activities to develop basic communication, self help, physical, social, and academic skills. An additional chapter…

Intended for state education agencies and State Implementation Grant directors and coordinators, the booklet provides basic information on providing educational services to preschool handicapped children. Major premises include the following: the effectiveness of early education of handicapped children is supported by research; and early childhood…

Intended for parents of preschool handicapped children, the guide provides information on how children learn and suggests activities within the daily routine that can be used as learning opportunities for the child. Following an introduction are milestone charts for the areas of cognition, communication, gross motor, fine motor, self help, and…