During the first week of a Head Start program in September, Jamal, almost 5 years old, punched another child in the stomach. An assistant looked after the hurt child. Charlane, the teacher, approached Jamal, saying, "There is no hurting children in this class." She marched him to a time-out chair where Jamal sat with his head down. The following…

During the early childhood years, children learn to interact with one another in ways that are positive and successful. Researchers stress the importance of positive peer relationships in childhood and later life. The absence of positive social interactions in childhood is linked to negative consequences later in life, such as withdrawal,…

Transitions in early childhood classrooms are changes from one activity to another or from one place to another. Well-planned transitions can be positive learning experiences for children. During transitions children can sing songs, follow a leader by copying his or her physical motions, practice counting, or even recite a favorite poem or nursery…

Suggests a distinction between understanding and indulging when dealing with children resisting rules or limits. Recommends an expressive environment, in which children's right to express their views--in appropriate and respectful ways--is protected, even though compliance is still required. (HTH)

This article reflects on what it means for teachers to put relationships with children as the priority in their practice. The authors focus on four themes that they believe are at the heart of a good relationship: (1) recognition; (2) familiarity; (3) respect; and (4) commitment. "Recognition" is acknowledging another person's presence and…

Describes one teachers' system of democratic discipline in which the children deliberate and construct the list of rules for the classroom. Addresses: (1) introducing democratic discipline; (2) daily routine; (3) typical problems, typical solutions; (4) novel solutions; (5) recurring problems; (6) unintended results; (7) context for children's…

Maintains that it is not normal for children of 5 years and older to have tantrums in the classroom. Suggests that the child's health, the parent-child relationship, parents' marriage, teacher-student relationship, the classroom situation and other sources of stress be examined as possible causes for tantrums. (BB)

Universal classroom practices include developmentally appropriate, child-centered classroom environments that promote children's developing independence, successful interactions, and engagement in learning. While universal practices may be enough to promote the development of social competence in the majority of children in the classroom, teachers…

Describes the components of positive discipline, including giving children choices, using natural and logical consequences to teach, using follow-through to teach positive life skills, and teaching children the ability to problem solve. Notes that the goal of positive discipline is to guide children's behavior toward development of self-control…

Examines the use of role play for early childhood teachers so that they may better understand children's emotions and behavior, better understand teachers' emotions and behavior, sort out and respond to children's needs, and discover new strategies for dealing with problem situations and challenging children. Offers advice for using role play with…

Describes a classroom management approach called developmental discipline that incorporates observation with knowledge of the individual child, situation, and child development to guide appropriate behavior. Discusses factors associated with behavior problems and how teachers can work with parents to apply developmental discipline techniques and…