Structure plays an important role in current efforts to transform traditional classrooms into collaborative, self-directed learning communities. Teachers work with students to create a sense of order based on shared understandings. The resulting structure has three characteristics: a well-organized classroom environment, predictable daily…

This paper describes three early childhood curriculum frameworks that acknowledge the different needs and abilities of infants and toddlers, preschool and kindergarten children, and children in grades one through three. Infants and toddlers are at the stage of establishing trust and autonomy. Because these issues are addressed in the context of…

Maintains that the arrangement of a classroom's physical environment is part of the early childhood curriculum. Discusses characteristics of classroom environments that promote children's cooperation, sense of trust, independence, involvement, and acquisition of concepts and skills. (LB)

Identifies eight warning signs which indicate that a day care program is off track. Discusses advantages of an environmentally based curriculum and its use as a strategy for getting a program back on track. (RJC)

Discusses strategies for training early childhood educators in effective use of the physical environment. Focuses on the equipment and materials for the classroom, strategies for organizing the environment, and strategies for selecting and displaying materials. (RJC)

This curriculum guide for teachers of young children provides a framework that sets forth the program's philosophy, goals, and objectives for children, as well as guidelines for teaching that address all aspects of a child's development (socio-emotional, cognitive, and physical). It attempts to offer teachers the guidance, support, and freedom to…

The Creative Curriculum for early childhood education is a teaching framework that addresses children's emotional, cognitive, and physical development. This supplement to the Creative Curriculum is designed to enhance teachers' effectiveness in understanding how content is linked to teaching and learning in a developmentally appropriate curriculum…

The Creative Curriculum for early childhood education is a teaching framework that addresses children's emotional, cognitive, and physical development. This supplement to the Creative Curriculum is designed to enhance teachers' effectiveness in understanding how content is linked to teaching and learning in a developmentally appropriate curriculum…

Many typical classroom behavior problems--running in the classroom, inability to make choices, failure to stick with activities, fighting over toys, and poor use of materials-- can be traced to how the room is arranged and how materials are displayed. By making a few changes in the classroom environment, early childhood teachers can create a…

A well-ordered classroom promotes learning, helps build a classroom community, and frees teachers to observe and interact with children in positive ways. This videotape shows how classroom and outdoor environments can convey six positive messages for preschool children: (1) this is a good place to be; (2) you belong here as a valued member of the…

The Creative Curriculum for Preschool is a comprehensive resource for establishing and sustaining a quality preschool program. The first of two volumes of trainer's guides to The Creative Curriculum for Preschool, this book offers detailed workshops and handouts on the foundation of the curriculum, four of the five components of the curriculum…

Noting the crucial role parents play in their child's academic success, this book offers parents guidance in supporting their child's education in the primary grades. The book's chapters are: (1) "Learning in the Early Grades," including questions parents ask, what 6- to 8-year-old children are like, principles that make learning effective, why…

A supervised, self-instructional training program for the professional development of child caregivers is offered. Included in this volume, the first of two, are orientation materials and six training modules that are organized around the first six functional areas of the Child Development Associate (CDA) Competency Standards. These areas concern…

Noting that a high-quality preschool program is one that promotes learning through rich play experiences, this book gives parents information needed to select the right preschool for their children. Chapter 1, "Thinking about Preschool," discusses questions parents ask, practical considerations, beginning the search, and the screening phone call.…

This booklet offers parents guidance on how to partner with teachers to help their children acquire the skills, attitudes, and habits to do well in school and throughout life. The booklet begins with a description of how preschool children learn, and continues with a discussion of the goals of the preschool curriculum related to social-emotional…