Examined whether activities in the preschool curriculum across Northern Ireland are more adult-directed or child-directed. Findings from observations of 71 preschool settings showed that the curriculum of most reception settings was more adult-directed, while most nursery schools, play groups, and private day nurseries adopted a child-initiated…

Describes use of learning-resource centers as a method of supporting meaningful learning in primary classrooms. Discusses student assessment through formal and informal means; planning, including selecting learning goals and activities; and documentation of student progress as the keys to children's effective use of learning-resource centers.…

Explains how high quality early childhood programs address academics, including assessment, and are accountable to early childhood standards. Describes how the early childhood learning situation that looks very much like play is actually a carefully designed and organized learning environment that provides structure, stimulation, and support for…

Describes the changes that took place at a private nursery school when it decided to replace teacher-directed art activities, an early emphasis on academic skills, and other developmentally inappropriate activities with student-centered and student-directed art and play activities that are more developmentally appropriate. (MDM)

Although there is considerable evidence that kindergartners in child-centered programs have more opportunities to increase prosocial behavior and are more internally motivated than children in basic skills programs, the efficacy of child-centered versus basic skills programs with regard to prosocial behavior has not been examined among preschool…

Presents an overview of developmentally appropriate practices for preschool classrooms. Discusses the role of the teacher, and emphasizes the use of age-appropriate schedules, space, group and individual activities, music and movement, as well as interest-based curricula. (MOK)

Compulsory schooling commences for children in New Zealand when they are 6 years old, but all primary schools accept children from the day of their fifth birthday. On any school day, a new pupil may enter the class for new entrants and become part of the school system. This article explores the creation of an appropriate environment for these new…

Four case studies are presented illustrating how kindergarten curricula can enhance early literacy development. Curriculum components described include student choice, activities appropriate for multiple developmental levels, large blocks of work time, shared voice, theme-based learning, access to materials, respect for autonomy, and minimal large…

Recognizing that children are individuals with different needs, backgrounds, learning styles, and personalities, this book provides information on elements of a successful multiage, continuous progress classroom at the primary level. Following an introduction to the concept of multiage, continuous progress practices, the book discusses the…

Annotates selected ERIC documents and journal articles discussing issues related to developmentally appropriate practice (DAP). Topics include DAP in early childhood and elementary settings and regular and special education, the current debate regarding DAP and multicultural education, student evaluation, teachers' and parents' beliefs regarding…

Describes an approach based upon the constructivist model of learning and curriculum development for using the computer as an integrated curriculum tool in early childhood classrooms. Includes discussion of constructivist theory and its application and characteristics of curriculum in constructivist classrooms. (KB)

This guide for teachers and parents examines child development knowledge, the origins of developmental curriculum, and approaches to implementing such a curriculum in elementary schools. Part one discusses how children develop, the historical background of developmental curricula, the differences between age level and grade level, and the…

The early childhood education field is changing rapidly, and the theories and methods used in preschools and kindergartens--such as child-centered, hands-on learning--are now influencing the way primary school is taught. This book is designed to be a brief overview of the field of early childhood education. Chapter 1 describes the historical and…

This practicum project sought to facilitate change in preschool teacher classroom behavior from teacher-directed practice to child-initiated practice. The goals of the practicum focused on changes that would foster child-initiated activities in order to promote healthy and holistic development, positive self-esteem, and resiliency skills in young…

Examines the similarities between high-quality, fully implemented Montessori programs and other developmentally appropriate programs for young children. Focuses on the Montessori philosophy, human relations within the learning environment, the curriculum, areas of the Montessori classroom, relations between home and program, and the developmental…