We greatly appreciate the astute comments on Lillard et al. (2013) and the opportunity to reply. Here we point out the importance of keeping conceptual distinctions clear regarding play, pretend play, and exploration. We also discuss methodological issues with play research. We end with speculation that if pretend play did not emerge because it…

In his monumental research, although Piaget primarily relayed information about children's developmental stages of cognitive growth, Marian Marion goes on to discuss not only the developmental stages, yet focuses on how children think. In her textbook, "Guidance of Young Children", Marion conveys how teachers need to understand children and help…

In this article, the author responds to a teacher's request for advice on what she can do about the bossy behavior of one of her students which she is worried may escalate to bullying. The author provides some strategies on how to help the child who constantly tries to control others. She also suggests finding other attributes besides the child's…

It is important to remember that a young child never thinks she gets enough attention. Even children who have a parent with them 24/7 will sometimes use attention-seeking behaviors. In this article, the author responds to a teacher's request for advice on how to help one 3-year-old child in her class who seeks attention through one annoying…

Although there is a general agreement about the need for limits, structure, and guidance in a child's life, there is a strong difference of opinion among many professionals about the best ways to meet these needs. Some believe in more educational approaches, explaining to children the "why" of it, while others favor very firm disciplinary…

The early identification of children with learning disabilities (LD) is difficult but can be accomplished. Observation of key behaviors which are indicators of LD by preschool and kindergarten teachers can assist in this process. This early identification facilitates the use of intervention strategies to provide a positive early experience for…

Reviews research concerning the origins of violent behavior in the early childhood years. Discusses the importance of early childhood intervention, and offers recommendations for the coordination of intervention efforts by behavior specialists and early childhood educators. (Author/EV)

Suggests that banning superhero play is not most effective means of dealing with children's exposure to inappropriate television. Maintains that valid data on possible increases in classroom superhero play are not available, superhero play may fulfill some developmental functions, and superhero play may provide an opportunity to teach about values…

In this article, the author responds to a teacher's request for advice on how to handle one 5-year-old child in her class who has a habit of aggressively taking other children's things without asking. The author provides some suggestions on how to work with a child who does not respect other children's space and belongings. She emphasizes posing…

In this article, the author presents ways on how to deal with a child who monopolizes classroom objects and the attention of others. The author discusses the importance of identifying children's needs and exploring their behavior. Among other things, the author emphasizes introducing esteem-building activities, as well as providing opportunities…

That young children need space seems an unsurprising statement. So unsurprising that it scarcely needs further examination, to say nothing of further thought. But what is really meant by "space" when considered in the context of young children in school and their developing needs? Various studies have mostly described the actual physical…

When parents decide to separate, a young child is often affected most by a change in their regular routine, which young children often find comfort in. When changes take place at home, it makes changes at school more difficult for young children to deal with because the schedules that they traditionally find comfort in are being altered. Dr.…

In this article, the author responds to a teacher's request for advice on how to handle one 4-year-old child in class who is having difficulty adjusting to changes. According to the parents, maybe that is because they have been so careful to keep promises and be predictable at home. The author provides some suggestions on how to work with the…

This article deals with the problem between the teacher and parent of a child who will not participate in group activities. Here, the author features the teacher's story as well as the parent's story. Some children take a long time to warm up to group play. Often, these are imaginative youngsters who are quite content to amuse themselves. They may…

This paper asserts that teachers need to understand the logic of young children's behavior in their joint play and in their conflicts in order to respond sensitively, and that children construct logic-in-action (procedural knowledge) long before they are able to verbalize their logic in narratives. The basic assumption of the paper is that there…