The role of block building in children's learning was studied by a student teacher who observed a teacher's block building curriculum in a combined first and second grade class. The purpose was to clarify the linkage between thinking and doing, spoken intention and actual consequences, and planning and spontaneity in the curriculum. The cycle of…

This discussion concerns the advantages and disadvantages of using family day care, the most widely used form of day care in the United States. Advantages are that family day care providers generally: (1) accept younger infants than do centers; (2) are often conveniently located; (3) often have flexible hours; (4) provide home-like environments;…

Written for parents, this workbook provides easy-to-read information about tobacco, alcohol, and other drugs, along with step-by-step instructions for activities that promote family interaction. The first part of the book contains general information for parents about developing the kind of family bonding and harmony that lead to enhanced…

The study sought to examine developmental processes of substitution in the pretend play of Down's syndrome children and to clarify the onset mechanism of subskills in decontextualization, which refers to the progress from imitation to substitution and then to invention. Eighteen Japanese children, aged 29-55 months, with Down's syndrome were given…

Suggestions for helping communities achieve the first National Education Goal--by the year 2000, all children will start school ready to learn--are presented in this document. The ways in which readiness is developed and what communities can do to support families are described. Examples are provided of 13 community projects that are preparing…

This book describes a study of childhood experiences with creating personal space in the outdoors, the role these spaces play in children's evolving sense of self, and implications of place-making for education. Chapter 1 describes the author's personal interests that led to the study, the study population, and the way in which each study site was…

This paper addresses two questions relevant to practices and policies in early childhood education (ECE). The first question addressed is, Given the worldwide focus on ECE, what are the priorities in practice-oriented research in school life? Educators struggle with the issue of whether research makes much difference to practice. It is suggested…

Employing a child-centered approach to the growth and development of children from birth to age 16, this book describes in detail the personal, social, and intellectual development of children as they progress from infancy through adolescence. It contains anecdotes and examples that capture the unique qualities of each age and stage of child…

This document examines programs in Nepal, Ecuador, and Ethiopia that address the many needs of working women in regard to providing high quality care for their children. The description of each program includes: (1) an account of the identification of the child care need; (2) program planning and implementation; (3) training of staff; (4) effects…

This study examines the value of volunteering in preschools by members of the preschooler's family. Prior research has confirmed the benefits of parental involvement in children's education, particularly before the child is 6 years of age. Close contact between parent and teacher gives each a more complete picture of the child's abilities and…

This practicum report describes a gifted education program, for students in grades 1 and 2, which developed a newsletter to broaden the parents' knowledge of giftedness. The weekly newsletter, sent to parents of 43 children, addressed such topics as characteristics of the gifted, frequently asked questions, techniques used for instruction, higher…

This study focused on the television viewing behavior of a sample of 277 two- and three-year-old children, who were observed by their mothers as they watched a children's studio variety television program entitled "With Mother." The program consists of skits by performers disguised as animals, songs and games, exercises, an animation…

The study evaluated a theory of gender specialization by J. H. Block that postulates that gender differences in personality and cognitive functioning are closely linked, both arising from the same sex-differentiated socialization experiences. This study tested the theory as it applies to creativity in children. Subjects were 244 children in grades…

The paper presents core competencies which are appropriate across service delivery models and across disciplines for training personnel in early intervention. Part I provides a historic perspective on practices, child development research, the federal role, children served, family involvement, and the need for early intervention. Part II contains…

Collected in this textbook are approximately 30 brief articles and related materials concerning the traits, development, nurturing, and education of children from infancy through early childhood. While varied, material in each of the six sections generally centers on (1) characteristics, traits, and developmental issues in infancy, preschool and…