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…

Business education and workplace learning are addressed via five episodes or conversations between two business educators, one of whom is experienced and also an improvisational artist. Vaill (1989) compared managing to a performing art. Vendelø (2009) connected organizational learning to improvisation. In these constructed conversations, the…

Describes The Lab School's (in Washington D.C.) use of the arts to provide nontraditional learners with new routes to learning. States that the arts give these special children a chance to express their creativity, feel good about themselves, and learn skills they cannot learn traditionally. Looks at art as salvation, diagnostic tool, and teacher.…

Educational experiences which facilitate the development of original thinking and learning are (1) the "open system" of education which stresses freedom at home and at school; (2) the emphasis on sensory awareness of the environment; (3) the development of curiosity and sense of wonder; (4) the growth of imaginative powers and original thinking…

Using examples from children drawing in a year one classroom, this article examines firstly, how drawing operates as a unique mental tool, and secondly, the role of drawing in the construction and development of knowledge. Young children utilize prior knowledge and experience to negotiate and construct meaning through their interactions with…

This paper reports on a study of nursery children's responses to number focused activities. Responses were analysed in terms of cognitive, physical, emotional and social aspects in order to gain insights into what engaged children in number learning opportunities. "Cognitive-emotional hooks" for number activities were identified, involving…

Recounts the case of a learning disabled sixth grader mainstreamed into a social studies class. Describes a variety of instructional strategies and activities that capitalize on the student's strengths to facilitate learning. These include critical thinking maps, semantic maps, simulations, and kinesthetic learning. (MJP)

The guide is intended to help teachers teach mentally handicapped children who have been mainstreamed into preschool, nursery school, or first grade public school classes. Part 1 answers frequently asked questions regarding the definition of mental retardation, realistic expectations, emotional needs, discipline, and teaching approaches. Part 2…

This illustrated booklet, designed for parents of preschool children, suggests informal learning activities which have the potential to enhance the social, emotional, cognitive, motor, and language development of preschool children. Three categories of games and activities are presented: (1) language games, (2) mathematical concept games, and (3)…