The purpose of this study was to observe children naturally interacting with these touch screen devices. Little direct instruction was given to the children on the use of the devices however an adult did assist when needed. The device was introduced to the children as would be any other educational material such as play-dough, new items in the…

This study of a preschool classroom of 4 year old children examines underlying skills of number sense such as counting and spatial skills and Spontaneous Focusing on Numerosity. It also investigates children's patterns of engaging in spontaneous mathematical activities in free-play activity centers in relation to behaviors associated with…

Learning through play is as natural and important for young children as breathing. With this book, parents and teachers can create toys that help children become more confident, develop their intellect, and encourage play and exploration--all with materials easily found at the local hardware store or home center. Written by two experienced family…

A group of early childhood teachers in an effort to reinforce the child development approach and counteract pressures for early rote learning, describes some specific cognitive learning events which can be found in the spontaneous play for young children. (ST)

For forty years, the nursery school movement has emphasized play as part of the socialization process, but in the past few years, much research has been aimed at the question of stimulating cognitive development in the preschool years, especially for culturally deprived children. (Author/CB)

Offered as a supplement to the House Corner Curriculum Manual (HCCM) this trainer's guide for center directors and others responsible for teacher training and parent education focuses on developing and presenting workshops. The guide is divided into five sessions, each of which corresponds to the five chapters in the HCCM. Topics include the…

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…

Research on play and its positive effect on children's development is abundant. Adults can ensure that children receive the full benefits of play by becoming effective playleaders and by guiding children through enriching play experiences. Adults need to let children know that play is an important part of their educational experience. This can be…

Research indicates that active adult involvement in children's play can increase the social level of play and have a beneficial impact on children's cognitive growth. To become appropriately involved in children's play, daycare providers and other adults need to understand how time, space, experiences, and materials affect children in play…

This trainer's guide is designed for day care center directors and others responsible for teacher training and parent education who wish to develop and present workshops based on the manual "Blocks - A Creative Curriculum for Early Childhood." The guide is divided into five sections, called "sessions," which correspond to the…

Evaluates the effects that environmental changes in early childhood activity centers and patterns of teacher guidance have on children's literacy behavior. Finds that the children are likely to engage in voluntary literacy behaviors during free play when literacy materials are introduced and teachers guide children to use those materials. (MG)

This guide is intended for teachers interested in helping preschool and kindergarten children make discoveries about the reading process. The guide focuses specifically on ways teachers can build written words into children's dramatic play through the use of symbolic props-materials which either contain written words or invite children to create…

This booklet discusses the use of structured table activities in preschool programs in Australia and alternatives to these activities, such as free play. The booklet notes that structured table activities tend to be teacher-directed, passive, non-creative, and focus on goals set by the teacher. They often do not address the learning requirements…

Intended to encourage children to develop their imaginations naturally, with only a small amount of help from adults, this book presents over 125 activities for creative and pretend play for young children. The book's introduction describes the importance and benefits of pretend play, the adult's role, and needed materials and space. The…

This book provides practical, everyday activities to weave language development and early literacy activities into the daily schedule in an early childhood education program. The chapters are organized by areas common in most early childhood environments: (1) circle time; (2) snack time; (3) dramatic play; (4) outdoor play; (5) art; (6) sand and…