Children who learn math fundamentals in preschool and kindergarten have the best chance of later achievement in school--but too often, children don't get the effective early math instruction that makes all the difference. Now there's a core early childhood textbook that helps current and future educators teach the most critical math concepts to…

Well-informed teachers of young children recognize the importance of children's social development. The development of social skills lays a critical foundation for later academic achievement as well as work-related skills. Social development is such a key issue with young children that a number of methods to address social skills have been…

Presents three activities for teaching spelling to students in grades 2-6 using individualized weekly spelling lists made up of developmentally appropriate words. (SM)

Discusses the many uses of rebuses in the preschool environment. Describes how the use of rebuses streamlines routine activities and enables many different activities to be offered without chaos in a busy environment. Teacher-planned activities become child directed, the children get reading and writing practice, and independence and appropriate…

Because the kindergarten curriculum of a small, rural elementary school appeared to be inappropriate for some children, a school psychologist implemented a practicum designed to provide a positive school experience for those not ready to learn from formal reading materials. The primary goal of the practicum was to provide activities during the…

This microethnographic study describes aspects of the computer curriculum of a class of kindergartners in a public elementary school. Descriptions provide a basis for a consideration of the appropriateness of computers in the kindergarten. Complex matches and mismatches between goals and observed activity are discussed. (RH)

Recommends that early childhood teachers articulate clearly the reasons for programs for young children that incorporate developmentally appropriate practices, a broad range of learning activity choices, classroom observation techniques for student evaluation, and parent involvement. (BB)

Presents tips on selecting and pursuing developmentally appropriate classroom projects for young children. Includes print and Web-site resources for project development. (KB)

This article presents a unit of fun and developmentally satisfying activities, using familiar folk stories focusing on threesomes. Each example involves story time, block center, art center, dramatic play, listening area, math and manipulatives center, folder game, group times, cooking, writing center, discovery center, and the music and movement…

Reviews problems with the use of the computer for science instruction in preschool and primary school classrooms. Describes efforts by educators enrolled in the Iowa Chautauqua Program to adapt appropriate materials for early childhood science instruction. Describes and evaluates specific computer programs which coincide with current goals for…

This research investigated the effects of two contrasting pre-k curricula, relative to practice as usual, on subsequent academic achievement. One curriculum had a strong literacy focus, the other was a less didactic "developmentally appropriate" curriculum that allowed children to have more influence on classroom activities. The purpose…

Discrediting the notion that puppets are strictly for play, this book presents innovative ways for teachers of young children to use puppets as valuable and developmentally appropriate teaching tools. Chapter 1 of the book details the educational benefits of puppets and relates puppetry to play theory, developmentally appropriate practice, and…

Challenges the thinking about planning activities for children around holidays in Head Start programs. Discusses the role of holidays as family events and the difficulties surrounding teaching preschoolers the meaning of holidays. Suggests ways to use holidays as an opportunity to truly expand children's knowledge using child development…

Examines educational activities in terms of authentic, developmentally appropriate practices. Suggests that authentic experiences are closer to being true than false in nature; a real thing rather than a replica; characterized by honesty; and richer, wider, deeper than a synthetic counterpart. Authentic experiences feel right and evoke feeling.…

Provides an overview of outdoor learning environments, discusses types of children's play that promote their learning and growth, examines the role of outdoor play on children's development, and lists several indoor activities which can also be used as outdoor activities. (BC)