The ability to address complex technological, ecological, social, and ethical challenges in the 21st century depends on developing a citizenry capable of innovation and higher-order thinking. Early childhood educators have the opportunity to help children acquire these abilities right from the start. Central to this endeavor is a more reciprocal…

Regardless of the grade they teach, teachers are professional decision-makers committed to supporting children's learning. Making decisions about what to teach and how to teach it best is simply a nonnegotiable feature of their job: only teachers have the specialized knowledge and professional training required to design meaningful learning…

This article describes a learning experience designed for teachers of children in primary classrooms (K-3) who are taking graduate courses. The learning experience offers new insights into the different ways young children encounter math in their natural, playful environment. Through a hands-on workshop approach, the students engaged in firsthand…

In Susan Gitting's classroom, writing is woven into every activity, whether it is a walk to the nature preserve or a science experiment. Authentic, shared experiences around engaging themes help the children connect their learning to existing knowledge, and learning standards guide Susan's planning. The authors describe the implementation of an…

Discusses the relationship between child development and early childhood education. Focuses specifically on the issue of socialization and current research on mediated learning experience. (Author/CM)

Claims that involving children in the process of gardening--selecting seeds and plants, planting, tending the garden, and harvesting the crop--helps them see the natural process of growing plants. Introduces container, square-foot, raised, and conventional gardens. Gives suggestions on what and when to plant as well as tips on gardening and…

Maintains that preschool programs should emphasize the child's development and learning potentials by focusing on the child's intrinsic interests and not on academically oriented, subject-centered learning and teaching. (BB)

Maintains that there is a danger that prekindergarten and kindergarten children may experience learning problems (stress and "educational burnout") in elementary school if they are exposed to developmentally inappropriate teaching methods in early childhood programs. (BB)

Maintains that poetry can be used in a variety of ways to stimulate and enliven the early childhood curriculum. (BB)

Describes kindergartners' responses to a visit to an old, inner-city cemetery. The visit acquainted children in early childhood programs with the concepts of death, burial, and the rituals related to them. (RJC)

Presents anecdotes from nursery school daily records which illustrate significant learning experience through cooperative work and play. Suggests that children process and learn information by playing with that information. (NH)

Describes the procedures and effort a group of early childhood students and their professors used to obtain funding to attend the National Association for the Education of Young Children annual conference. Discusses the reasons for attending the conference, problems encountered, fund-raising efforts, and the benefits of conference attendance from…

The National Association of Elementary School Principals has developed standards designed to help schools and school districts meet their obligations to parents of young children. Four of the group's recommendations are offered. (DG)

Discusses the special quality of the relationships teachers, caregivers, and parents have with young children, focusing on aspects of the relationship which help the adult develop as much as they help the child grow. (CM)

Describes six projects used in a Hong Kong kindergarten to illustrate key ingredients of the project method. Shows how a thematic approach combined with the use of projects can enable children to be self-motivated learners equipped with the skills to conduct in-depth investigations. Includes list of children's books for projects about shoes and…