Many people think it is taboo to talk about sex with children. Adults reinforce this belief when, for example, they use substitute words rather than "vagina" or "penis". They may be embarrassed to learn about children's sexual development or ask others for assistance. Although most people in US society are open about sexuality now, the topic of…

Young children benefit from having their stories written down and shared with others. The authors highlight two strategies for supporting young writers: taking dictation and translating "kid writing." They explain why both are important in introducing the purpose of writing and the functions of printed language. The article offers tips to teachers…

Hungarian pediatrician Emmi Pikler theorized that freedom of movement facilitates infants' development and learning. The self-education promoted by freedom to move gives an infant a lasting view of herself as a competent learner. Pikler's approach also emphasizes the importance of helping each child feel respected and secure. The author examines…

Author writes two letters: the first in her role as a parent and the other is her own reaction to it as a teacher. (CB)

Maintains that a positive self-image is of vital importance to a person who is to be successful in life, and is the most important gift parents, teachers, and caregivers can give a child. Also provides examples of how one can help build a child's self-image. (BB)

Addresses several important aspects of young children's involvement with security objects, including why certain children have them, how they are used, when attachments to such objects are cause for concern, and how teachers and parents can respond in ways that promote the young child's development. (BB)

Discusses the development of complex sentence and other language embellishments in preschool children. Emphasizes implications for parents and teachers who facilitate such language development. (BB)

Presents an annotated bibliography of magazines that parents and teachers can use with preschool and primary grade children. (BB)

Focuses on the importance of conversation between adult and child as the young child engages in artistic activities. Different kinds of conversations appropriate for art education are suggested on the assumption that such talk facilitates cognitive development and results in increased artistic motivation. (DP)

States the position of the National Association for the Education of Young Children on violence in children's programing. Presents research upon which the statement is based, as well as recommendations for policymakers, teachers, and parents. (PCB)

Describes how Rosemary Wells's new books about "Edward Unready" explain children and readiness; explores the problems with her message, and suggests new endings that are more supportive of all children. Asserts that variability in development should not be mistaken for deficit, and recommends changing the focus from judging children to…

Highlighted by Katy's early reading and writing experiences, guidelines to help young children become effective readers and writers are offered to parents and teachers. (BB)

Offers guidelines and a model strategy to help teachers of young children conduct more productive parent teacher conferences. (BB)

Presents an annotated bibliography of children's books which parents and teachers can use to help young children deal with separation anxiety and other feelings associated with the beginning of school. (BB)

Reports on research which looked at how parents' and early childhood teachers' attitudes toward work and child care influenced their relationships with each other. (PCB)