Young children develop the skills necessary for communication in infancy. Interactions with family members and other caregivers nurture and support those skills. Spoken (expressive) language progresses rapidly after a child's first word. A typical 2-year-old has an expressive vocabulary of approximately 150-300 words. Around this time, as they…

Many young children have a natural attraction to and curiosity about animals. They like to observe, touch, talk to, and ask questions about them. Teachers and parents both can use this broad interest to facilitate children's development and learning in a variety of domains. Research shows that children across ages find emotional comfort in their…

Newcomers to intergenerational programs in early childhood settings tend to recognize immediately the value of bringing younger and older age groups together. However, they then ask, "But what do they do together?" The goal of intergenerational programs is to promote bonds between younger and older generations--relationships that will…

The authors describe a teaching strategy that can support the development and learning of all children in inclusive learning environments. They give an overview of peer-mediated intervention and share useful information on how classroom teachers can use this tool to promote learning, particularly in the areas of social and communication…

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)

Presents a five-step process for creating therapeutic stories to help young children facing psychological problems. Includes sample story vignettes and a story appropriate for children going through the grieving process. (KB)

Describes a multiservice intervention program, Teaching Interpersonal Expertise to Strengthen Systems (TIES), that is designed to support efforts of Head Start children, families, and staff, and improve the access of these individuals to mental health services. (BB)

Describes the components of an educational project which teaches parents advocacy skills necessary for successful interaction with various kinds of agencies affecting their children's welfare. The components described include intake and assessment, staffing, medical visits, and program rationale. (Author/DB)

Notes that reversing the "quiet crisis" in health and education facing infants and toddlers in America requires action in four key areas: (1) promoting responsible parenthood; (2) guaranteeing quality child care choices; (3) ensuring good health and protection; and (4) mobilizing communities to support young children and their families.…

Lonely children experience feelings of sadness, malaise, boredom, and alienation. Loneliness has immediate and long-term consequences and may be attributed to many different causes. Teachers can learn to recognize signs of loneliness and use a variety of approaches in the classroom to help the child feel better and work through the experience.…

Examines how the effects of separation and divorce on young children often result in a dramatic change in classroom behavior. Offers early childhood teachers techniques for meeting the emotional needs of children coping with separation and divorce, such as empathetic listening, classroom activities that allow children to express their feelings,…

Reviews theory and research on various aspects of prosocial development, discusses curricula designed to increase the ability of young children to behave in prosocial ways, and lists six factors that can be used to facilitate children's prosocial development. (RH)