The article discusses cultural variation in narrative genres, use, and learning. The ethnocentricity of many current approaches to the study of narratives is pointed out. Four universal types of narrative are identified (recounts, eventcasts, accounts, and stories). Teachers should not assume a common cultural background in children's access to…

The aim of the book is to serve for clinical, practical, basic and scholarly practices. In twentyfive chapters it covers the most important topics related to Autism Spectrum Disorders in the efficient way and aims to be useful for health professionals in training or clinicians seeking an update. Different people with autism can have very different…

The second edition of this best-selling textbook provides students and practitioners with a broad introduction to, and critical analysis of, the main theories and issues within the field of early childhood studies. The book adopts a multi-disciplinary approach and pulls together all the key themes involved in the study of young children and…

Family-school partnerships are increasingly touted as a means of improving both student and school improvement. This recognition has led to an increase in policies and initiatives that offer the following benefits: improved communication between parents and educators; home and school goals that are mutually supportive and shared; better…

This paper considers the psychological aspects of children's drawings. The utility of the Draw a Person Test (DAPT) for different types of pscyhological research is discussed, and the non-intellectual and cultural factors of the DAPT are described. Suggestions on the administration, scoring, and interpretation of drawings are given. The next two…

The inclusion of multicultural education in elementary school instructional programs provides a means for children to acquire accurate knowledge, develop positive attitudes, and learn to respect and appreciate ethnic diversity. (Author/GC)

This book provides guidance in addressing the special needs of Latino children and adolescents, offering a comprehensive examination of four contextual levels: the microsystem level of family; the mesosystem and exosystem level of school and community; and the macrosystem level of cultural practices. Culturally responsive treatment strategies are…

This research synthesis is organized around identification of instructional priorities for emergent literacy and existing evidence regarding curriculum design for those instructional priorities. First, areas of emerging evidence are identified and two major ideas are extracted: (1) children need to develop knowledge of and facility with multiple…

This publication describes how teachers can begin to gain understanding of diverse students and families and their cultural values, behavioral standards, and social ideals. It presents specific examples of cross-cultural conflicts and illustrates strategies for resolving them. Data come from the Bridging Cultures action research project in…

Reports on the beginnings of visual representation in early childhood by using longitudinal studies in both London, England and Singapore. Finds evidence to support the theory that underlying children's use and organization of visual media are certain robust forms of behavior, or deep structures. (CFR)

Examines responses of homosexual parents and their children's teachers and administrators concerning parent-school communication. The article discusses dynamics that encourage homosexual parents to disclose their homosexuality to the school and the value or risk placed on disclosure. It reports on issues of gender, offering parent and faculty…

In order to place multiculturalism at the center of early childhood curriculum and practices in Canadian schools, relevant materials must be developed and teachers must be trained to teach in a multicultural society. The rationale for multicultural education at the early childhood level is found in principles of child development in terms of what…

Regardless of the racial or ethnic composition of their classrooms, teachers need to develop a multicultural classroom environment in which they: (1) teach children to respect others' cultures and values; (2) help all children learn to function successfully in a multicultural, multiracial society; (3) develop a positive self-concept in those…

Contends that differences in child development and cultural backgrounds affect the way children represent their world through art. Describes an exhibit of children's art from Thailand and Australia. Discusses differences in content, media, and style and concludes that both cultures could benefit from adopting aspects of the other. (CFR)

Investigates the underlying reasons for the development of a negative self-concept in Canadian Native children attending public elementary schools. Maintains that a child-centered curriculum and instructional strategies will provide the learning environment necessary to foster positive attitudes. (CFR)