Early childhood teachers (ECTs) play a critical role in shaping the literacy development of young children. The survey described herein broadly sampled ECTs across the United States (N= 612) to learn about their literacy instructional practices, which allows us to connect school context with student opportunities. Researchers have suggested that…

Globally, there is great interest in enhancing young children's literacy development as a route to improving worldwide literacy. To contribute to this area of interest, this paper reports findings from a multi-pronged early-literacy program designed to improve the print-knowledge of young children in Yucatec Mayan villages. The school-based…

With the emergence of electronic media over the past two decades, young children have been found to have increased exposure to video games, computer-based activities, and electronic books (e-books). This study explores how exposure to animated ebooks impacts young children's literacy development. A stratified convenience sample (n = 24) was…

In this paper, we analyse one aspect of home-school book sharing, namely the activity of borrowing a book. We describe how the borrowing activity is accomplished in daily practice in two Dutch preschools and which emergent literacy practices can be embedded in this routine. We followed fifteen children, aged from two years to four years, and…

Recognizing the growth of technology use in early learning settings, the U.S. Department of Education and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services collaborated in the development of the "Early Learning and Educational Technology Policy Brief" to promote developmentally appropriate use of technology in homes and early learning…

In their quest for resources to support children's early literacy learning and development, parents encounter and traverse different spaces in which discourses and artifacts are produced and circulated. This paper uses conceptual tools from the field of geosemiotics to examine some commercial spaces designed for parents and children that…

This study compared traditional and multimedia-enhanced read-aloud vocabulary instruction and investigated whether the effects differed for English-language learners (ELLs) and non-English-language learners (non-ELLs). Results indicate that although there was no added benefit of multimedia-enhanced instruction for non-ELLs, there was a positive…

Describes the context within which the author has been studying bilingualism and biliteracy and how she created opportunities for her two children to explore literature within both of their languages (German and English). Discusses the role and function of German literature in their lives, and how professional educators might re-envision…

Written for children ages three to five, this book contains several stories and poems about play and safety by four boys and girls of ages seven to fourteen. Illustrations accompany the children's work. The book is intended to be read together by adult and child. It includes a section to assist adults in instructing children about safe use of…

This bibliography provides listings of books, pamphlets and reprints dealing with preschool children, early childhood, early childhood education, and various aspects of child development. A list of the addresses of the publishers of the pamphlets and reprints is also provided. (KM)

Explores how teachers and caregivers can incorporate science activities in learning centers. Suggestions include rethinking what science means in early childhood programs, offering interesting materials for exploration, and following children's interests. Presents activity ideas and materials lists for chemistry in the water table, fruit and…

Using a lighthearted and simple approach, this 23-minute videotape in English and Spanish versions presents interactions between parents and children while reading books. The children in the videotape range in age from 0 to 5 years. The video is introduced by scenes of children enjoying books while narration discussing the impact of reading to…

Intended for parents of preschool children with visual or physical disabilities, this reference circular lists organizations offering materials and services at the national level as well as books available from standard commercial outlets. The first section lists 14 organizations providing special format materials (Braille, cassettes, large print,…

Describes the ensuing conflict when the book "Daddy's Roommate" was included as part of the preschool anti-bias curriculum. Discusses parent boycott, letters to parents, board discussions, and formation of a committee to propose solutions. Describes the voting plan based on position statements on both sides of the issue and how creating…

This article reviews the literature on the role of first-hand experiences, language, reading aloud, and scribbling on the preliteracy development of normal and visually impaired children. It describes a specific program developed by the American Printing House for the Blind which includes a handbook and 27 tactile-visual read-aloud story books.…