The benefits of play for children's learning are well-documented and well-researched. The evidence for its positive impact on brain development, social interactions, emotional wellbeing, and motor skills is widespread. So, why should this practice stop after the early years? "A Practical Guide to Play in Education" encourages teachers to…

The book is a highly readable integration of the latest assessment policies, and includes valuable information regarding young children with special needs and English Language Learners--topics that have rarely been touched upon in other textbooks. Focusing on practical applications of key concepts, this text provides a knowledge base of what every…

Describes a college-level psychology course based on using simulation techniques to teach graduate students about child development. Topics discussed include course description, objectives, activities, evaluation methods, and a discussion of the advantages and disadvantages of the simulation approach. (Author/DB)

This resource booklet focuses on the definitions, developmental stages, and the benefits of socio-dramatic play. The booklet deals with the players, shows how adults can support children's play, describes the play environment, and offers some suggestions for development of curriculum based on play. The booklet discusses children's approach to…

In a multi-stressed environment children and families are affected by one or more sources of significant stress--for example, homelessness, substance abuse, or lack of basic necessities. Living with high levels of stress can take a toll on young children's development. This skill-based staff development program was developed to help classroom…

The first chapter of this manual discusses the impact physical activity has on the growth and development of youngsters. It offers a rationale for including physical education in the school curriculum. Guidelines for exercising children safely are offered, including a section on weight training for children. Chapter 2 includes the Physical Best…

Intended for teachers and administrators of early childhood programs, this publication is designed as a guide for developing learning environments for children in prekindergarten through the second grade. The approach advocated is based on research and on teacher experience with the way the young child learns. Contents of the guide include…

This teacher guide for elementary level physical education programs is based on the theories of movement education. It is divided into nine sections: (1) planning the program, its philosophy and objectives; (2) spatial awareness; (3) the body and its parts; (4) how the body moves; (5) development of locomotor, nonlocomotor, and manipulative…

This guidebook is designed for use in teaching students enrolled in secondary pre-employment laboratory education (PELE) child care programs. The first of two major sections includes an overview for teachers in planning, conducting, and evaluating a child care program. Specific topics discussed in section 1 include (1) the school-operated center,…

The 34 brief articles in this sourcebook for family day care providers are presented mainly in two large sections: (1) management of family day care business, and (2) interaction with children. Many of these articles pose and provide answers to questions that are likely to occur to child caregivers, such as "Does the IRS really expect me to keep…

Discusses issues of concern related to children who spend long days in childcare centers. Suggests that mother-child attachment is the biggest concern, and that consistent long days for babies require special planning for both parents and teachers. Suggestions for reducing children's stress in these situations by making life predictable and calm…

This handbook was developed to assist educators and parents in fostering children's self-concept through developmentally appropriate kindergarten experiences. Guidelines for parental involvement, classroom volunteers, and families under stress are included. The handbook describes basic characteristics of children from ages 3-8 in terms of…

This handbook for kindergarten teachers attempts to provide a foundation on which teachers can build dynamic kindergartens at the community level. The physical, social, and cultural characteristics of 5-year-olds are described. A philosophy for kindergarten is stated, and goals of kindergarten education are listed. Goals involve physical, social,…

This manual was developed for use in a 17-session family literacy program for incarcerated fathers and their children. The activities in the first eight sessions, which are designed to be completed before the children's first visit, are based on a mix of children's literature and reading materials dealing with child development and parenting. In…

This guide is intended to assist the vocational teacher in designing and implementing a child care occupations vocational program. The guide is divided into four sections: organization and implementation, instructional emphasis areas, assessment, and appendix. The organization and implementation section describes goal-based planning, and includes…