Choosing toys and activities that are suitable for infants and toddlers can challenge even the most experienced teacher. By being mindful of the basic principles of child development and the role of play, teachers can intentionally select toys to meet young children's unique needs and interests, supporting learning. It is also important to be…

Early childhood educators frequently look for new ways to help children build social and emotional skills. Teachers want to use effective tools and strategies whether they are redirecting aggressive behavior or encouraging self-esteem and friendship. Persona dolls are one approach to supporting children's social-emotional development. Persona…

Children need sound language and literacy skills to communicate with others and actively participate in a classroom learning community. When an early childhood classroom offers a language- and literacy-rich environment, children have numerous opportunities to practice language and literacy in a social setting. A language-rich classroom includes an…

This article describes a learning experience designed for teachers of children in primary classrooms (K-3) who are taking graduate courses. The learning experience offers new insights into the different ways young children encounter math in their natural, playful environment. Through a hands-on workshop approach, the students engaged in firsthand…

This study was designed to determine whether infants actually play with crib toys, and whether the toys affect the duration or onset of sleep. (CS)

Extends the rationale for integrating handicapped with nonhandicapped children to include the mainstreaming of infants in group care programs. (RH)

Provides hazard ratings for products associated with injuries to preschool children and points out implications for planning early childhood environments and for staff training. (RH)

Discusses the value of play and play materials, safe and good toys, and characteristics of children between the ages of two and six. Includes the National Association for the Education of Young Children's brochure "Choosing Good Toys for Young Children." (AS)

On the assumption that parents can provide significant educational experiences for their preschool children, a Parent/Child course has been initiated in conjunction with the Toy Library at the Far West Laboratory for Educational Research and Development. (Authors/CB)

Practical suggestions on utilizing various types of boxes in activities for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. (SP)

Examines the central historical and contemporary role of blocks and construction toys in early childhood education. Describes how commercially produced blocks were conceptualized as a surface for displaying symbols, as pure form, or as a way to transmit a cultural heritage of architectural styles. Discusses how blocks were used in early…

In this article, the author discusses playdough. Playdough is a staple play material in the early childhood classroom which provides enjoyable and satisfying experiences for young children. But, it is not merely a "fun" activity, it also provides valuable hands-on, active-learning experiences and supports children's growth and learning in many…

Describes the development of a preschool toy-lending library which makes materials available for center children's home use on weekends. Planning, physical organization, procedures, policy and recordkeeping aspects are described in detail, and the significance of the library in terms of parent-child, parent-teacher and teacher-child interaction is…

Children's daily experiences in classrooms can help them understand how to be responsible citizens in a classroom community. Educating children about democracy involves two key elements on which teachers should capitalize: (1) children's curiosity and (2) their experiential learning. To develop responsible citizenship, families and teachers need…

Addresses several important aspects of young children's involvement with security objects, including why certain children have them, how they are used, when attachments to such objects are cause for concern, and how teachers and parents can respond in ways that promote the young child's development. (BB)