Research Findings: Although crucial in early childhood, social and emotional learning (SEL) was seldom integrated in preschool classrooms until recently. This study reports the implementation and evaluation of an SEL program devised to assist Chinese preschoolers, a population that has been understudied. With cultural values/practices impacting…

In 1998 a group of American adoptive parents led by Jenny Bowen created Half the Sky Foundation (HTS) to provide nurturing care and education for children living in Chinese orphanages (known as children's welfare institutions). Jenny, a former screenwriter and film director, and her husband Richard wanted to ensure that the children still waiting…

Two early childhood educators report on their visit to a kindergarten in the People's Republic of China. (CS)

Describes three kindergarten programs in Beijing and Kunming, China. Focuses on children's behavior, the role of rote memory in learning Chinese characters, children's respect for authority, the importance of the concept of community, the group support given to the individual, the lack of competition, and the uncritical affection for children.…

Breakthroughs in science and social organization could soon be helping to save the lives of half the 40,000 young children who now die every day. They could also prevent several million children a year from becoming mentally or physically disabled. To achieve these goals, local successes showing that a child health revolution is possible must be…

Early childhood development is increasingly viewed as an affirmation of children's rights. This report describes the concept of early childhood development and presents several viewpoints regarding early childhood care and development, parenting, and approaches to early education. The report also presents 10 case studies of programs to enhance the…

Based on observations in 10 preschools in Taipei (Taiwan) in 1982, describes social-emotional behaviors for teacher-child interactions, display of emotions, self-esteem, responsibility, and peer interactions. These behaviors are compared to those seen in centers on the Chinese mainland, suggesting similarities and differences in educational and…

At the University of South Dakota, as part of a campus-wide celebration of diversity focused on northeastern Asia (China, Japan, Korea), undergraduate and graduate Children's Literature classes participated by locating relevant literature and presenting them dramatically. Students were divided into six small cooperative groups. Each group chose a…