This theoretical article examines the crucial role of play-based learning (PBL) in enhancing the mathematical skills of children in the Early Childhood Phase, referred to as Foundation Phase (Grade R-3) learners, within a South African context. The article argues that the traditional approach to teaching early childhood mathematics, where teachers…

The Vygotskian preschool education program (VPEP) is built around mediation in the context of preschool age-specific activities such as sociodramatic play, constructive play, listening and retelling fairy tales, playing with dollhouses, motor activities, and some others. We used the VPEP as part of the daily curriculum in two pre-K classes at PS…

Understanding the characteristics of preschool-age children is an important and first step for supporting children's healthy development and school readiness. Children may show different developmental features and come different social, socio-cultural background; however, they are in the same age. Reaching of education at a desired level will be…

Examines the link between movement experiences--and their consequences during infancy--and cognitive development. Explains how movement stimulates cognitive development, the role of aerobic activity, and the importance of skill development. Offers suggestions for enhancing preschool motor learning experiences, practicing movement fundamentals,…

This script was written to accompany a series of 118 color slides and presents the view that the important elements in caring for and teaching very young children cannot be packaged as a curriculum. Everything that goes into affectionate and satisfying child care, day after day, offers many opportunities for learning by babies, toddlers, and their…

Presents six articles on brain research and child development: "Brain Research, Infant Learning, and Child Care Curriculum" (J. R. Lally); "The Thinking Brain" (P. Schiller); "Early Experiences Shape Social Development" (B. Caldwell); "Facing the Challenge of Motor Development" (P. Weikart); Language…

Provides preschool teachers with techniques for effectively including children with disabilities in their classrooms. Examines parent cooperation, the classroom environment, curriculum, developmental problems, special teachers, and the use of the "buddy system." Presents a case study of the inclusion of a child with severe mental and…

This monograph describes the curriculum of the child development center of the Early Childhood-Special Education Teacher Preparation Program. The center provides a model preschool program in which teacher trainees work with children, ages 2-6, (several of whom have developmental deficiencies). The curriculum is designed to help teacher trainees…

This pamphlet presents a description of two interrelated Swedish research projects both of which studied the effects of preschool programs on young children. The first project, a traditional preschool curriculum, is examined in terms of Weikart's scheme for preschool curriculum models. The evaluation procedure involved a comparison of 130…

This second volume of the Assessment, Evaluation and Programming System (AEPS) test and its associated curriculum describes the AEPS curriculum components for the developmental range from birth to three years. Section I describes the relationship between the AEPS test described in Volume 1 and the corresponding curriculum. Procedures for general…

A Piagetian day care curriculum for infants and toddlers is presented. Six chapters, divided by developmental stage from birth to 24 months of age, discuss developmental characteristics of the child, suggest tasks for the caregiver to enhance social/emotional growth and language development, and describe appropriate games and activities.…

This guide to preschool curriculum planning presents a unit approach to preschool education and outlines 44 curriculum units. A discussion of methods and principles involved in the development of this curriculum stresses that it is the child, not the teacher, who determines curriculum. Four principles for good teaching are examined: preparing…

The purpose of this teaching guide is to orient preschool teachers to the unique needs and abilities of the four-year-old child and to offer a suggested program of pre-kindergarten activities. Specific capabilities characteristic of the four-year-old are listed, followed by the scope of the preschool program in the areas of cognitive development,…

This guide details eduational standards as a way to improve the overall quality of early care and education programs within Kentucky and to ultimately result in positive outcomes for all young children. These standards address the essential knowledge and competencies that children are expected to achieve at various ages and may be used as a…

This book's 15 chapters elaborate on specific educational practices in early intervention and early childhood special education, recommended by a task force of the Council for Exceptional Children's Division of Early Childhood. The selected practices were identified through a process involving analysis of expert opinions, professional consensus,…