It is human nature to be resistant when someone tells a person no. Children are no exception. Nevertheless, when teachers are frustrated with children's behavior, they may resort to saying no. Often the child responds, "Why?" or resists. What teachers really seek are strategies to help children in preschool and the early primary grades learn how…

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…

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…

Teachers were beginning to see teasing, taunting, bullying, and other damaging behaviors in their group of toddlers. This article describes two class activities--a relay race and singing during transitions--that allowed all the children to experience success and thus helped the class overcome the negative behaviors.

Claims that classroom lighting may have an influence on children's learning experiences because children experience the world primarily through sensory and motor experiences. Describes a preschool teacher's experience of adjusting an overbright classroom with full-spectrum bulbs and how, as a result, the children appeared to be more relaxed and…

Focuses on children's daily experiences as an important component of assessing the quality of child care programs. Discusses the importance of individual and group engagement to better understand the quality classroom environments and keep track of improvements over time. Presents the Engagement Check II as a measure of group engagement and…

The authors present a checklist designed to help preschool and kindergarten administrators and teachers build confidence in their ability to be inclusive and to increase their awareness of the needs of children with disabilities. Teachers can use the checklist to prepare for the inclusion of a child with a disability. "Identifying potential…

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…

Argues the value of using the assertive discipline approach in the classroom, suggesting that in classrooms where teachers use this approach, students are happy, motivated, responsible learners. (RWB)

Questions whether assertive discipline techniques are responsive to the developmental needs of children or simply serve the convenience of adults.

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…

Reports results of a study in which 35 teachers of children ages 2.5 through kindergarten were interviewed and observed during group time. Reveals tentative conclusions that teachers can plan and implement activities that are more appropriate to the age, developmental level, or social functioning of the group. Offers specific recommendations for…