Do young children understand the complex mathematics in the petals of a daisy, the Fibonacci sequence in the spiral of a pinecone, the fractal geometry in the leaves of a fern, or the "golden ratio" in the seed pattern of a sunflower? Probably not, but they certainly can observe and recognize the patterns and compare them to similar…

Design thinking is a methodology that emphasizes reasoning and decision-making as part of the problem-solving process. It is a structured framework for identifying challenges, gathering information, generating potential solutions, refining ideas, and testing solutions. Design thinking offers valuable skills that will serve students well as they…

According to Piaget, 5- or 6-year-old children gradually acquire the concept of time based on events (Piaget, 1969). In his experiment of investigating children's time concepts, Piaget found that children of these ages were able to place pictures based on sequential events with some errors; the younger children made more errors. The National…

The authors challenge proponents of informal open classrooms" as well as of traditional school organization. (Editor)

Presents an account of observations, descriptions, and interpretations of children's representations. Offers examples of ways teachers and parents can help children expand their language, actions, and images to symbolize their experiences. (BB)

What is questioned here is not the teaching of words but their premature imposition upon the child before he has acquired the concepts that underlie them. (Author)

Emphasizes the importance of spontaneous play for growth in cognition and social values. The author specifically discusses finger painting, water, blocks and dramatic play. (AJ)

Summarizes recent ERIC documents in early childhood education and related areas. Topics include the integrated character education model, conflicts and prospects of character education in multicultural education, and the role of the schools in character education. (ET)

Notes that sorting is an early classification activity; as language develops, objects can be sorted by various attributes and described. Describes key experiences in this developmental sequence, and provides guidelines and specific suggestions for selecting for classroom use "attribute materials" designed to lead students to both…

Introduces the "Pet and Me" project, a thematic unit that explores the relationships among humans, other animals, and nature. Provides the definition of thematic units by focusing on three levels of thinking: facts and information, topics, and themes. Concludes that the thematic unit is applicable to other areas of curriculum. (MOK)

Presents a stage-structure analysis of reading applicable to any method of reading a teacher might choose to use. (Author/MP)

Because young children have difficulty comprehending abstract ideas and generalizing information presented in sexual abuse prevention programs, and because of their dependence on adults, the effectiveness of sexual abuse prevention programs for young children is questionable. (BB)