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)

Through observation and first-hand experiences, children will become sensitive to their environment; and as they mature, their awareness will form the basis for intelligent action necessary to protect our natural resources. (Author)

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…

Offers some suggestions for classroom routines that should augment learning and promote democratic behavior. (ED)

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)

Actual experience is an important part of a child's early education. Outings (though not without problems) offer sensory excitement and assist in completion of the learning cycle. (WY)

Adult-child interaction as child verbalizes his experiences helps child to integrate this new information into his store of knowledge. (NH)

Discusses the way Piaget's theories operate in the classroom. (ED)

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)

Piagetian principles are illustrated with examples from the preschool classroom; authors conclude that teachers should stand back awhile and watch the children do their own learning.'' (Author/SP)

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