The article adds to a growing conversation that recognizes and supports young children's civic capabilities, positioning them as citizens-now and not simply citizens in the future. They detail how three different classrooms sought to work with children to engage in social action on behalf of their broader community. This response wonders alongside…

In this article, the author talks about building resilience--that ability to push through hardship to success, to rebound from failure, and to "keep on keepin' on" when things seem impossible. The author assert that lots of gifted and talented kids need help building their resilience. In today's world, when striving for mediocrity can…

The notion of assumptions permeates school mathematics, but instruction tends to highlight this notion only in the advanced grades. In this article, I argue that it is important for even young children to develop a sense of the role of assumptions in proving, and I investigate what it might mean and look like for instruction to promote this goal.…

Presents 14 reflections about the role of teachers. Topics include taking a stand on a select group of issues; decision making; teachers' judgment; teaching self-respect; teachers as lifelong students; respect for adversaries; the power of ideas; and the optimum environment. (RJC)

Discusses how early childhood educators can address the issues surrounding Christopher Columbus and the Quincentenary of his voyage to America to serve as an opportunity to enlighten and challenge young children's perspectives on this historical event. (BB)

This ERIC Digest presents an overview of the process and mechanics of language development, along with implications for practice. Sections of the discussion focus on: (1) when and how language is learned; (2) oral language components; and (3) nurturing language development. It is argued that teachers can help sustain natural language development…

The teacher's role in guiding children toward understanding and appreciating the values that govern people's behavior, attitudes and perspectives is discussed in this article. (Author/MP)

In this article, the author discusses how to manage stress in children. A teacher's story and a parent's story about a child who complains of frequent stomach aches, is presented. Stomach aches and other somatic complaints without any apparent physical explanation are common among young children experiencing stress. Nevertheless, it is essential…

In this article, the author addresses the concern of a teacher with students who exhibit discipline problems. She presents several suggestions to help make children obey and respect the teacher. Some of her suggestions include: (1) greeting each child by name at the door as they arrive; (2) standing tall and using a firm voice to convey authority;…

In this article, the author suggests several ways teachers can help children with anxiety disorders. One of the most important things a teacher should remember is to avoid labeling children with the term "anxiety disorder" and instead simply recognize that some children have more anxiety than others. In addition, the author suggests that teachers…

The program philosophies of a Latin American nonacademic school program for children aged 0-6 years are discussed. The role of the natural educator is analyzed. Promotors of these programs are described, and strategies for finding them are suggested. (DG)

In this article, the author presents the story of a teacher struggling to help one of her students who is constantly clinging to her. The author provides several tips for teachers on how they can deal with anxious children. If the teacher has an aid, she could consider sending the assistant out to the playground with the group for a while, the…

Maintains that early childhood teachers should provide young children with creative, stimulating, and manipulative (hands-on) experiences rather than workbook pages in early mathematics programs. Presents reasons and corresponding counterpositions for using workbooks and suggests sample activities which teachers can use to make mathematics more…

Maintains that early childhood educators should employ a child guidance approach rather than punishment in disciplining young children in the classroom. (BB)

Presents five reasons (along with suggestions) as to why teachers of young children should allow children "free" choice of class activities as a means of preventive classroom discipline. (BB)