Discusses three steps in the development of children's understanding of word knowledge: (1) awareness that words are language units; (2) awareness that words are arbitrary labels; and (3) comprehension of the term "word" in a metalinguistic way. Suggests activities that primary teachers can use to help children develop their word…

Explains free-flow play, in which children make the rules of play, as opposed to adult-led play; stresses the value of firsthand experience; and discusses the relationship of free-flow play to games and representations. Cites 12 ways adults can help children achieve quality learning through free-flow play, including helping children explore and…

Discusses the parental responsibility of giving guidance to young children to provide them with a safe world, set reasonable standards of civilized behavior, and provide a model of responsible action. Describes difficulties in establishing and maintaining firm guidance for children. Maintains that parents need to make demands reflecting children's…

Argues that developmentally appropriate practice (DAP) as presented in the revised guidelines of the National Association for the Education of Young Children gives equal attention to age, individual, and cultural appropriateness, and therefore is appropriate for everyone, regardless of socioeconomic status, culture, race, gender, age, or special…

Suggests that the National Association for the Education of Young Children guidelines for developmentally appropriate practice are supported by modern values of stability and certainty. Maintains that there is a shift to a new world view, based on views that human beings are subjects; science cannot be value-neutral; and that context affects what…

Asserts that family dinners deserve attention as a positive contributor to children's well-being. Maintains that family dinners give stability to a potentially confusing day, present a place for children to express themselves, and provide children's first community. Includes ideas for helping families identify their own dinner patterns and…

Outlines issues surrounding interactive toys and analyzes features of such toys. Describes strategies for educators and parents to mitigate interactive toys' deficiencies and help children interact with them in ways that stimulate imagination and foster development. Asserts that interactive toy use should be limited because only through contact…

Describes the wave of new technology-enhanced "smart toys," ranging from simple interactive toys to those simulating actions of real animals. Notes the lack of research on the effects of these toys on children's brain organization, learning, or behavior. Describes impact of various software programs on children's learning, discussing…

In this article, the author demonstrates how the current emphasis on viewing early childhood education (ECE) as an investment keeps ECE at the margins of U.S. political debates as well as in other discussions around the world. Historically, the field of ECE in the United States has struggled, and continues to struggle, for political positioning.…

Maintains that by focusing on natural strategies to facilitate language interaction, adults can become instrumental in expanding the foundations of literacy of young children. Strategies include planning stimulating learning experiences utilizing contextual cues; encouraging personalized development of child language events; anticipating and…

Describes an exploratory study in which alternative dramatic play areas are compared among older preschoolers. Twelve children, grouped into same-sex pairs (55 to 67 months old), were observed in various playroom environments. Results indicate that theme specific settings stimulated dramatic play while neutral areas encouraged personal fantasy…

A look at children's play in India and its curious mixture of generosity and hostility. The universality of play is discussed. (ST)

Home, neighborhood, and community are critically examined from the perspective of a young child, and some hard questions are posed as to the value structures that various environments implicitly reinforce. (CS)

Reviews the history and purposes of the Association for Childhood Education International. Emphasizes the importance of play as the child's first expression of continuity. Points out that Confucius' concepts of teaching are universally practical and that his philosophy is carried out today in Taiwanese schools. (Author/RH)

Describes the pressures on young children to read at an early age. Discusses the disadvantages of a subskill approach to reading for the improvement of test scores. (RJC)