The need for relatedness is seen as the need for human connection. Relatedness refers to the social nature of human beings and the connectedness with others. It can be stated that the person meets the needs of being related with sensitivity, warmth, emotional sensitivity and social acceptance. People need to interact with other people socially. In…

This paper explores how aligned arts and play experiences can extend child and family engagement in a public outdoor space. The importance of outdoor play for children is strongly advocated and in response local governments provide playgrounds and recreational open spaces. To extend further the experiences afforded in such spaces some local…

Australia holds some of the most unique, diverse and vulnerable ecosystems in the world, ranging from marine, coral reefs, to the arid and semi-arid outback, to tropical rainforests. Young children's perceptions of, and attitudes to their environment carry with them into adulthood, determining their capacity to learn about and interact with their…

This fascinating collection of international research offers fresh perspectives on children's creative processes and the expression of their creative imagination through dramatic play, stories, artwork, dance, music and conversation. Drawing on a range of research evidence from innovative educational initiatives in a wide variety of countries,…

This article examines the pervasive influence of progressive education and travel on a public school kindergarten teacher's professional life. In a statement included in her handwritten list of goals for the children in her classroom, she echoed John Dewey, noting that a kindergarten child should "....live life fully and well because this is a…

Blending the arts into students' learning of science concepts through role-play and drama is unusual pedagogy in schools. For seven Australian Year Five students seeking extended learning, advanced scientific concepts were learned during the creative process of script writing and production of a science play called "Hectic Electric". A…

Examines the ways in which Jane Addams affected the field of creative drama. (PD)

Focuses on the use of children's literature in the treatment of child abuse, a method referred to as bibliotherapy. Describes children's books that can be used in this approach and presents suggestions for follow-up activities. (NH)

Designed to assist administrators and teachers conducting prekindergarten early intervention programs for at-risk children, this curriculum guide outlines age-appropriate arts experiences that are process-oriented rather than product-oriented. After introductory statements, content focuses on learning activities in the visual arts, dance/creative…

Based on the view that creative play and hands-on experiences are essential to the development of well-balanced children and that their teachers have the responsibility to create an environment that can stimulate children's senses and curiosity, this book provides activities incorporating the use of sand and water tables into the classroom on a…

Children are naturally curious, and try to make meaning of the world around them. They love to watch things grow and take note of dramatic changes in science and nature. The authors discuss how one can support children's investigations, as well as their growing capacity to notice and understand growth and change. The authors present some exciting…

This study investigated the use of arts games (structured play activities based on drama, movement, and music) with children age birth to 5 years in a day care setting. A set of 20 games was tested by 2 early childhood teachers; 1 teacher tested 10 games with a group of 2-year-olds and the other tested a different set of 10 games with a group of…

The Illinois Early Learning Project (IEL) is funded by the Illinois State Board of Education to provide information resources on early learning and training related to implementing the Illinois Early Learning Standards for parents and for early childhood personnel in all settings. The IEL tip sheets offer suggestions to parents and early childhood…

Describes strategies that encourage children to find their own answers to questions--their own or an adult's--through investigation. Also gives suggestions for activities involving finding answers and recording data in different classroom learning centers in areas such as art, block play, music, food, science, and dramatic play. (HTH)