In classrooms for young children, educators can strive to create a climate in which every child can question and learn, a place where everyone's story--their background and experiences--is respected. This article presents a rationale and a framework for teaching children about social justice. While the social justice learning activities in this…

Describes an approach designed to help explain war and the nuclear threat to young children, using a Dr. Seuss book as a springboard for discussion to help children expand their own concepts on the subject. (KS)

States the position of the National Association for the Education of Young Children on violence in children's programing. Presents research upon which the statement is based, as well as recommendations for policymakers, teachers, and parents. (PCB)

Suggests actions that teachers can take to challenge the use of violence by children. Actions include providing early intervention and teaching specific skills to help children resolve conflicts. Discusses adaptation to children's developmental levels and creation of classroom contexts supportive of nonviolence. (LB)

Uses the case of a boy named Franklin, making the transition between free play and a group activity, to illustrate conflict between teachers' respect for individual play and scheduled group activities. Discusses various issues, including differing perceptions of time, closure, and independence; using learning-environment organization for…

Discusses and illustrates the ways in which early childhood teachers can teach preschoolers about peace. Teachers can implement two simple rules: "Don't hurt anyone," and "Use words to settle problems." Explains how these rules would be implemented in particular preschool situations. (BB)

Maintains that early childhood professionals must confront the challenges of alleviating children's fears about the Persian Gulf War. Topics addressed include emotional support for children with parents stationed in the Gulf; effects of the media's war coverage on children; and fiscal and human costs of the war. (BB)

Discusses the advantages of using developmentally appropriate guidance as a method of classroom management. Contrasts this method with traditional classroom discipline and clarifies the distinction between misbehavior and mistaken behavior. Analyzes the three levels of mistaken behavior and suggests that adults who approach children as individuals…

Discusses ingredients inherent in democratic, ethical, and moral character and practices and the ways in which early childhood caregivers and teachers can institute democratic practices in their classrooms with young children. Considers the uses of discipline in democratic child care and education. (BB)