Classroom teachers serve as mentors to college students majoring in early childhood education. They establish good communication, provide rich environment for classroom observation, model best practices, create opportunities for reflection, and support students' participation in curriculum planning and teaching. William H. Strader, forum…

Describes the creation of a developmentally appropriate curriculum in one child care center using input from teachers, children, parents, and others. Discusses the planning process that combined teacher-initiated activities with child-initiated ideas and questions to produce a unique, dynamic curriculum of age-appropriate and individually…

Explains that Hunter's Instructional Theory Into Practice/Teacher Assessment Model and developmentally appropriate practices are mutually incompatible alternatives to good early childhood education practices. (BB)

Argues that teacher memories of childhood and early schooling have an impact on teachers' motivations, expectations, and values in the classroom. Examines how memories of early learning and schooling can influence the application of developmentally appropriate practice in the early child classroom in three important areas: learning environments,…

Discusses the development of a webbed curriculum at the preschool level. The teacher develops the curriculum by observing children, documenting their recurring interests and the themes of their activities, and integrating and connecting class activities. (BB)