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 study aimed at assessing Problems of Curriculum Relevance in Enhancing Children's Cognitive Development in Early Childhood Education (ECE) in Ethiopia. An explanatory sequential research design was employed through a multistage random sampling technique to collect primary data from the participants (N[subscript i]=260) through questionnaires…

The importance of a Piagetian approach is recognized in South African early childhood educational practices and teacher training, but the reality of the implementation of teaching and learning in the domain of early years opposes his philosophy in many ways. Our Early Childhood Education policies strongly advocate a Piagetian approach such as the…

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…

The authors show how teachers can use nature explorations as a personal guide in implementing early learning standards. They describe five outdoor experiences of children in age groups ranging from 20 months to 5 years. A chart specifies which of the Nebraska state learning guidelines and Creative Curriculum goals the experiences meet, across the…

This document contains lesson plans for teaching the left-right relational concept to preschool children. Procedures were designed from a Piagetian framework, so that cognitive conflict was considered a necessary condition for the evolution of transpositional skills. Conflicting viewpoints were instituted through teacher initiated peer…

This report systematically reviews research on the outcomes of programs that teach young children in a group setting before they begin kindergarten. Study inclusion criteria included the use of randomized or matched control groups, evidence of initial equality, and study duration of at least 12 weeks. Studies included valid measures of language,…

Suggests a non-static approach to preschool curriculum planning which would incorporate cognitive learning, while at the same time retaining important program aspects which pertain to the child's physical, social and emotional development. (NH)

Specific instruction refers to the teacher's knowing (a) what to teach and when, (b) what not to teach and why, and (c) when to let the preoperational child be "wrong." This paper is in agreement with Bereiter's criticism of Kohlberg's conclusion against specific instruction but suggests that Bereiter's argument should be developed into…

Two psychological theories which seem to have had a great impact on compensatory education programs are Skinnerian reinforcement theory and the cognitive developmental theory derived in part from Jean Piaget. The Englemann-Becker program is a typical example of the Programmed Curricular kind of program; the Florida Project, an Open Framework; and…

An outline for Piaget-based early childhood education curricula is presented. Long term objectives of the curriculum are the facilitation of moral and social growth, and intellectual development leading to formal operational functioning. Education is seen as a process that encourages creative and critical thinking. Short-term objectives are listed…

The major purpose of this research project, conducted as a part of the Huntsville-Madison County Education Improvement Program, was to generate basic data in order to determine the effect of a preschool intervention program on a population of socioeconomically disadvantaged children. Specifically, cognitive, demographic, learning, material,…

The major article in this IRCD Bulletin is devoted to preschool educational programs. Following some background discussion about the new concentration in preschool education on cognitive development and the rationale for preschool learning, various techniques and procedures are reported. An extensive bibliography cites works about preschool…

Based on classroom observations, developmental assessment, individual educational planning, and research, this curriculum describes developmentally appropriate practices to assist adults who work with young children (primarily 3-year-olds) in providing quality care and education. Chapter 1 sets out the study's specific questions, procedures,…

The implementation of basic research on children's scientific thinking into science curricula continues to be a slow process. This chapter summarizes research on cognitive development that has helped to establish the goals for much of early science education and examines its implications. The chapter begins by describing scientific thinking and…