Self-regulation and self-determination are part of a continuum of behaviors that are acquired through interaction with the social and physical environment and through problem solving based on experiences that begin in infancy and build throughout early childhood. These abilities should be nurtured early for all children, especially within the…

Body movement can be successfully integrated with language arts skills through the following six-step model: (1) begin with the auditory channel (chant the poem to the child and emphasize the sounds); (2) add rhythm (clap the beat, stressing the accents); (3) add movement (watch the execution); (4) add meaning (discuss each phrase, and use imagery…

The article considers how three types of language skills (receptive, functional expressive, and descriptive expressive) can be integrated into typical gross and fine motor activities for language delayed preschoolers. (Author/CL)

The paper focuses on the needs of visually impaired preschoolers in various developmental areas. The importance of attachment to a significant other for establishing trust is outlined and the fact that body awareness, object permanence, range of motion, spatial awareness and orientation must be logically and actively introduced is cited. Aspects…

The study of creative movement, dramatic expression, and kinesthetic awareness can develop students' skills not only in movement but also in communication and leadership. Suggested kinesthetic activities follow the four phases of: physical movement, examining student responses, stimulating the imagination, and analyzing and sharing the experience.…

Written as a companion resource to "Early Childhood Essential Elements," a document developed by the Education Service Center, Region VI, Huntsville, Texas, this first volume of a two-volume activity guide provides activities enhancing children's cognitive, communication, and motor skills. Activities included in the guide are compiled…

Suggestions are offered to teachers with deaf-blind children in their classrooms. Guidelines touch upon general curriculum development principles and approaches for improving communication skills, cognitive development, social and emotional development, motor and self care skills, and sensory development. (CL)

"Disc Jockey" is described as a classroom activity for junior high students with moderate/severe disabilities. The disc jockey of the day chooses music and operates a classroom tape recorder. The activity encourages students to learn days of the week, communication skills, age-appropriate behavior, and motor skills, and to develop feelings of…

The purpose of this training manual is to assist parents and professionals in understanding how a child's temperament, sensorimotor system, and communication system support each other in helping the child develop a solid foundation for normal growth and development. Training is based on the premise that awareness of the interaction and integration…

The music skill capabilities and deficiencies of students with mild mental disabilities, and general accommodations necessary for successful participation are discussed. Potential growth in music education is sometimes hampered by educators who underestimate the academic skills required within the typical music class and educators who…

This guide focuses on methods to teach students with Down Syndrome to maximize their inclusion in school and the community. Following an introductory section, the 10 chapters provide information and practical guidelines on the following topics: (1) acknowledging the label but teaching the student; (2) medical facts about Down Syndrome (e.g.,…

This manual documents key program development strategies and inservice training topics provided by the Model Demonstration Early Intervention Network Project. This project focused on building the capacity of early intervention programs to serve infants who are deaf-blind and their families. The first section covers program development and includes…

The Project OMNI curriculum is intended to help students develop necessary prerequisite skills for independent travel. The teacher's guidebook provides an overview of the OMNI curriculum components (individual student inventories, individual student profiles, and curriculum modules); discusses the relation of the module areas to the mobility…

To help Louisiana school systems meet state competency based education mandates, the manual presents lists of skills for those moderately, severely, and profoundly handicapped students who are receiving an alternative to a regular placement instructional program and are addressing separate minimum standards. The sequential lists are provided in…

The purpose of this manual is to provide supplemental information and to serve as a general resource for practitioners involved in the developmental and educational assessment of young children. The first section focuses on the process of assessing young handicapped children and includes specific information on indicators of potential problems in…