Indicates benefits of introducing poetry to young children. Introduces poetry that is based on subjects and experiences familiar to children such as galoshes, mittens, snowmen, animals, and the sensation of mud between toes. (Author/RH)

The current trend of hurrying a child's development, as evidenced by the popularity of disposable pants for toilet training, is criticized. The pants frustrate both parents and children and, it is concluded, serve no useful purpose in the toilet-learning process. (LB)

Presents an annotated bibliography which is especially valuable for parents, teachers, and others who want to learn more about how young children grow and learn. This sampling of recent and classic books, brochures, and periodicals represents the burgeoning knowledge about early childhood education and child development. (Author/BB)

Discusses guidelines (developed by the Oregon State University Early Childhood Sex Education Project) for developing teacher-parent cooperation in providing sex education to young children. The guidelines concern how to talk about body differences and body functions; how to deal with masturbation, sex play and obscene language; and how to involve…

Reports an interview with two teachers who provide instruction in sign language to 3- to 6-year-old children attending the Otter Creek School in Vermont. Children at the school use sign language while singing and to converse at snack times. (Author/RH)

Discusses the 'wasted time' dilemma and its effects on children in day-care centers. 'Wasted time' refers to small, seemingly insignificant incidents of waiting between activities which add up to more than an hour of boredom for children during an eight-hour day. (CM)

Defines child abuse and neglect, describing indicators of abuse in child and adult. Urges teachers of young children to report suspected abuse and to serve as an appropriate role model for parents. (KS)

Describes the Montessorian basic music program for young children, a system that teaches children to listen, play instruments, sing, and move rhythmically. (BJD)

Encourages the incorporation of nutrition education in the preschool by offering a conceptual framework, increasing awareness of current classroom practices, and providing suggestions for nutrition activities within major curriculum areas. (MP)

Outlines a series of six imperatives designed to provide educators and other child advocates with a backdrop against which they may implement strategies for serving handicapped young children. (MP)

Overviews characteristics of preoperational thought, summarizes Piaget's theory of the peroperational child's view of reality, explores implications of the preoperational stage of development for early childhood science education, and provides general guidelines for an early childhood science curriculum. (Author/RH)

Examines reasons children find superhero play so attractive and discusses how it relates to children's development. Also makes a case for allowing superhero play and suggests strategies to make such play a constructive experience for children. (KS)

Stresses the value of early peer interaction among young children for future academic, social, and career development, describing the components of social skills and suggesting ways to help children become socially competent. (KS)

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)

Suggests guidelines for selecting and using picture books exploring emotionally charged issues to help attain therapeutic goals and/or to foster an emotionally enriching classroom experience. (RH)