Reviews strategies to help children cope with fear. Notes a study in which children reported responses to fears different from what parents and teachers reported observing in them. Discusses six ways preschool teachers can empower children to deal with the frightening things in their lives. (ET)

Discusses how bulletin boards can include children's own work as well as items placed there by teachers and can serve as evidence of the real learning, including literacy learning, that children are doing. (BB)

Directs attention of Montessori method advocates to the current 170 public school Montessori programs and the growing public awareness and interest in applying Montessori principles in broader educational settings. Points out the effects on Montessori leaders of public school programs in terms of training, effectiveness, evaluation, and…

Suggests ways parents can prepare their children for becoming literate. (SR)

Techniques to promote engagement in preschool children with special needs include rotating toys to maximize novelty, specifying engagement goals, and using individualized materials. Promoting engagement requires consideration of methods for determining engagement goals and ways to manage the logistics of the individualized program. (DB)

This article describes the multielement design, often recommended in single-subject research, and discusses its advantages and disadvantages for research in early intervention with handicapped children. The article concludes that the multielement design has many advantages, though multiple treatment interference is an issue of concern. (JDD)

The impact of divergent thinking and ideational talent research on understanding young children's creativity is discussed, focusing specifically on use of particular topics or stimuli to facilitate divergent thinking; recognition of the influence of the setting, teacher, and feedback; and importance of recognizing both the quantity and the quality…

The use of functional analysis is demonstrated with a case study of a preschool child with behavior problems in the classroom. Discussion focuses on the steps of a functional analysis: interview, direct observation, systematic environmental manipulations, and development of intervention procedures. (DB)

When written clearly and distributed correctly, employee handbooks often represent the first line of communication between employers and employees, and serve as a resource for employees' questions. This article discusses how handbooks can be unnecessary liabilities for Head Start programs and offers suggestions for the development of satisfactory…

Explores ways of designing playgrounds that afford maximum safety with minimal risk of injury to children, as well as how to conduct a safety audit and the types of playground equipment not recommended for 2- to 5-year olds. Details ways of designing a playground that enhances creative-play experiences. Provides resource information for safety…

Discusses issues of domestic violence to help child caregivers care for children more effectively. Considers the causes of domestic violence and its impact on children and families, and offers resources for more information as well as suggestions for helping an abused person get help. Includes lists of "Do's and don'ts for breaking the silence"…

This article describes an 11-step "buddy" skills training procedure that helps children in an inclusive preschool work and play together more cooperatively. Steps include initial assessment, sensitization, peer training, implementation, positive reinforcement, evaluation, targeting specific interaction skills, teaching interaction…

This brochure provides information about environmental education for parents of young children by discussing a rationale for early awareness of our relationship to the environment. Also included is a discussion of the importance of the development of positive attitudes and feelings toward the natural environment. In order to encourage parents to…

This book, written for teachers, school nurses, school guidance counselors, parents, and other caregivers of children up to age 10, provides suggestions for helping children explore and accept their feelings about loss and death. Chapter 1 walks the reader through a personal assessment of his/her own experiences, feelings, and beliefs related to…

This book contains descriptions of 172 games for children from toddlerhood through adolescence, and is designed as a guide for parents, teachers, and play leaders. Following an introduction describing the child's relationship to games, the book is divided into two parts. Part 1 is aimed at toddlers and contains over 90 circle games, singing games,…