This article sketches out a philosophy and practice of open listening, linking open listening to Bergson's (1998) concept of creative evolution. I draw on examples of small children at play from a variety of sources, including Reggio-Emilia-inspired preschools in Sweden. The article offers a challenge to early childhood educators to listen and to…

In the school's conception of learning, the cultural aspect of children's play has often been lacking. In different countries, it is emphasized that play is important for learning (Dockett and Fleer, Play and pedagogy in early childhood: Bending the rules. Harcourt Brace & Comp, Sydney, "1999"; Lillemyr, Nordisk Pedagogik/Nordic…

Discusses the dynamics and development of prosocial play activities for children with a variety of handicapping conditions. Suggests ways for teachers to facilitate the participation of children with special needs. Contains 14 references. (Author/LB)

Describes four Norwegian kindergarten/day care programs: (1) Tislegard kindergarten and day care center, using community sculptures as the basis for art activities; (2) Bjerkeallen Barnehage, examining the impact on activities and staff relationships when half the staff are men; (3) Labakken, using nature as a central arena for play; and (4)…

Argues that shared play experiences are a good way to build mutually beneficial relationships among older and younger generations. Outlines why intergenerational play is important, focusing on its cognitive, social, physical, and emotional benefits for both older adults and young children. Describes toys, materials, and games conducive to positive…

Describes the new "basic" preschool program which focuses on enhancing, rather than accelerating, all children's development and enhancing health care. Centered upon Vygotsky's theory of development, such preschool programs focus on play as the leading activity of preschool children, organize the child's material environment, and thereby…

Discusses the links between emotional development and pretend play in young children using basic foundations of psychoanalytic and learning theories. Explains emotional development and pretend play through interactive levels of expression, control and modeling of emotion, and emotional intelligence. (JPB)

Examines the effects of the Lao government's efforts to renew and reform early childhood education in the Lao People's Democratic Republic, including comparisons with the pre-1975 educational system. Describes the new play-oriented kindergarten curriculum for three- to six-year old children, efforts to promote parent involvement, and teacher…

Describes two models of preschool "playrooms" developed in Serbia based on British playgroups as an alternative to professionally run creches and kindergartens. Playrooms are managed and staffed by parents and promote play as an authentic activity for preschool children. Traces program development and cites research results comparing the…

Argues that family and community have played, and still play, very important roles in traditional education in Nigeria. Relates how story telling and play form important parts of the informal education and socialization of young children. Appeals to African women not to abandon the great values of traditional education. (AC)

Details two Icelandic early childhood education projects. "Play and Print" found that increasing print exposure and reinforcing role-play related to reading and writing improved preschoolers' language maturity. The "I Can Do What I Get a Chance to Do" project modified lunch, group time, artwork, and play components of the…

Describes value and discusses models of toy libraries, which enable children and their parents to borrow and play with a range of toys and specialized equipment that might not otherwise be accessible to them. Addresses staffing issues and library goals related to toy libraries, connections between toy libraries and curricula, and benefits of and…

Compares preschool/kindergarten education in Malaysia and the United Kingdom, including curriculum and teacher training. Describes the Malaysian national preschool curriculum guidelines as using play as a vehicle for learning while incorporating a more formal reading and writing readiness program. Describes experiences in a teaching course for…

Discusses the creative use of television broadcasts, computers for interactive play, electronic instruments for musical expression, and interactive books in Japanese early childhood education. Considers how television can be used more effectively and how computers enhance interaction between children, describes how electronic instruments during…