This article provides practitioners with a guide to (1) understand the developmental emergence of play skills in young children to inform developmentally appropriate instructional decisions (e.g., toy choices); (2) set up the play space to support social play; and (3) use key strategies from an evidence-based intervention for young children with…

This article provides early childhood practitioners a way to develop a common understanding of the importance of play in the early learning experience of young children. Meaningful discussion among teachers, parents, administrators, and teacher candidates regarding play in early childhood education programs is critical to ensure the growth and…

Discusses four basic objectives of a quality program for 2-year-old children. Argues that the real world of teaching toddlers centers on the socialization of the children in a safe environment stimulating to cognitive development. Teachers should prepare the physical environment and provide social learning, physical development, and cognitive…

Discusses the causes, symptoms and treatment of allergies that affect children's development, learning, peer relationships and behavior in the classroom. (CM)

Describes cooperation and affirmation activities designed to create a classroom environment in which children interact peacefully and resolve conflicts creatively. Exercises include cooperation drawing, group hand prints and shadow murals, a circle game entitled "Rainstorm," student interviews, affirmation shows using video, affirmation clapping,…

Reviews the literature concerning children's humor. Discusses major characteristics of early humor based on the child's level of developmental mastery, and proposes a conceptual model of humorous play. (RJC)

This special section on the spirit of play discusses (1) characteristics of adult play; (2) styles of playfulness; (3) the creation of environments that foster children's sense of wonder; and (4) strategies for training teachers to be playful and to be attentive to children's play. (HOD)

Discusses traditional preschool programming for the normal child, the emerging definition of normal childhood, some instances of positive educational change, the changing conceptions of women's roles, and how a preschool child's daily program today differs from that of the 1950s preschool day. (RK)

The guidance of the youngster towards appropriate behavioral models is one of the greatest challenges and responsibilities of teachers and parents; children of school age need models yet are unable to discriminate fully among the potential models vying for attention. (CJ)

Understanding the effects of maltreatment and trauma on a child and their impact on development is an essential aspect of every teacher's job. It is as critical as the curriculum to the child's learning ability and overall well-being. But the issues involved are not easy, the answers not always clear-cut. And guidance is often hard for teachers to…

Identifies goals of character development for elementary school children. Offers four processes that promote positive social growth and moral maturity: (1) building self-esteem and a sense of community; (2) learning to cooperate and help others; (3) reflecting on moral choices; and (4) participating in decision making. Suggests how teachers have…

This paper discusses the five components of preschool program planning. The first component involves reviewing information about child development, developmental characteristics of young children, and the specific needs of children and families enrolled in the program. The second component involves formulating goals that reflect the philosophy of…

The Creative Curriculum for early childhood education is a teaching framework that addresses children's emotional, cognitive, and physical development. This supplement to the Creative Curriculum is designed to enhance teachers' effectiveness in understanding how content is linked to teaching and learning in a developmentally appropriate curriculum…

The Creative Curriculum for early childhood education is a teaching framework that addresses children's emotional, cognitive, and physical development. This supplement to the Creative Curriculum is designed to enhance teachers' effectiveness in understanding how content is linked to teaching and learning in a developmentally appropriate curriculum…

Creating a physical environment that is organized, welcoming, and well-suited to the needs of students and teachers can present a challenge to both beginning and experienced teachers. Based on the responsive classroom approach, this guide for educators of kindergarten through grade 6 is designed to help teachers set up physical spaces that are…