The experiences of children's play have a profound impact on all areas of their growth and development. Memories of play can be vivid and detailed. These memories often have a treasured place in our hearts and minds. Educators and parents have a special opportunity to ask themselves, "What kind of memories of play do I hope for the children…

iPads, iPhones, Notebooks, X-Boxes, PlayStations, Televisions, Computers. They've found their way into every corner of our lives. Add to that, the pressures of the modern education with standardized tests and crowded classrooms, and it seems that our children have lost the simplicity of childhood. Are our children losing their imagination, too?…

This revised Early Learning Framework is the culmination of a collaborative process that included early childhood educators, primary teachers, academics, Indigenous organizations, Elders, government, and other professionals. The first Early Learning Framework published in 2008 changed the landscape of early years practice in British Columbia. It…

Almost all schools offer some sort of theater program, and many towns produce community plays. These events can be wonderful opportunities for children with special needs to gain a sense of belonging, develop social skills, and use their creative imaginations. But often individuals with special needs don't become involved. Why? Perhaps the task…

The mother of an adolescent with Down's syndrome recounts his experiences in acting including commercials and working with Media Access, an organization that assists and encourages the accurate portrayal and employment of people with disabilities in the media industry. (DB)

Science is a subject that offers itself to a variety of instructional modes. Many educators have suggested that teachers need to make science more real and interesting for students. This activity is a Christmas play that allows students (grades K-6) to celebrate both the holiday season and the wonders of science. While participating in the play,…

Designed to be used before and after attending a performance of "Alice in Wonderland," this cue sheet provides information about the performance and suggests activities to help families foster children's understanding and appreciation of the performing arts. The cue sheet presents activities to help children think about the performance,…

This discussion and activity guide is intended to accompany the third season (1991-92) of "Long Ago & Far Away," a dramatic series on public television which combines animation, live action, and puppetry to invite children ages 5 to 9 into the magical land of storytelling. The guide seeks to help teachers, librarians, or parents to…

Written for adults who wish to read to children and children able to read on their own, this book presents an edited version of William Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet." The book includes selections of the original text of the play, prose passages explaining what occurs between selections of the play, numerous full-page illustrations,…

The Illinois Early Learning Project (IEL) is funded by the Illinois State Board of Education to provide information resources on early learning and training related to implementing the Illinois Early Learning Standards for parents and for early childhood personnel in all settings. The IEL tip sheets offer suggestions to parents and early childhood…

To be used in conjunction with a document providing evaluation criteria for quality elementary school programs, this guide is designed to help members of a program review team conduct a program review. The first chapter describes the methodology and procedures of program review, the application of quality criteria to the school's curricular and…

This book is written for teachers, caregivers, and family child care providers who are working with children from birth to five. It presents research on child development and on effective teaching practices to foster very young children's ability to become literate. The book also provides practical suggestions for implementing research-informed…