Fathers' beliefs were examined as mediators between multiple risk factors and involvement practices with children age zero to five enrolled in Head Start or Early Head Start. A diverse sample of 101 fathers, living in rural Midwestern communities of the USA completed questionnaires assessing "mediators" (i.e. parenting efficacy, role beliefs, and…

Many children do not like learning mathematics. They do not find mathematics fun, motivating, and engaging, and they think it is difficult to learn. Computer-based games have the potential and possibility of addressing this problem. This paper proposes a strategy for designing game-based learning environments that takes advantage of the…

The purpose of this study was to develop a method for assessing aspects of the cognitive functioning of young children from their symbolic play. Subjects were 60 children, aged 3 to 5 years, from middle-class and lower-class families. The study was conducted in two phases, with the following objectives: (1) to identify and analyze aspects of…

The thinking of D. W. Winnicott, pediatrician, psychoanalyst and gifted writer, provides the most effective validation of every kind of devoted labor in literature and the arts which is currently available. Winnicott is important because he has formulated a theory of development which makes creativity central and intrinsic to human nature. One of…

Based on survey data and written for educators and parents, this book examines the role of war play in early childhood education settings, its potential negative effects, and what educators might do to limit these effects. This examination is offered from both a developmental and a sociopolitical view. Four approaches to solving potential problems…

Infants and toddlers like to crawl, climb, run, and explore in wide open, outdoor spaces. This publication provides ideas for day care providers on using outdoor play to facilitate learning in infants and toddlers. Section 1 discusses the benefits of daily outdoor play, including learning to interact with others, practicing language skills,…

This study examined individual differences in parent-child play styles and their links with children's play behavior with peers. Mothers and fathers were videotaped playing with their toddler in toy play and physical play, and completed a project-designed questionnaire on their beliefs about child development. Children were observed separately in…

Drama can enhance creativity for young children. Opportunities to participate in dramatic play activities and creative dramatics should be included in the experiences for young children. Through creative dramatics and dramatic play, children develop cognitive, motor, social and emotional behaviors, and they develop aesthetic appreciation. Dramatic…

Science is very near the core of everything that Dewey commented about regarding society, education, philosophy, or human beings. According to Dewey, the scientific method allows for the maximum possible impartiality, is the only one compatible with the democratic way of life, lends itself to public scrutiny, and is the method of intelligence.…

This book contains descriptions of 172 games for children from toddlerhood through adolescence, and is designed as a guide for parents, teachers, and play leaders. Following an introduction describing the child's relationship to games, the book is divided into two parts. Part 1 is aimed at toddlers and contains over 90 circle games, singing games,…

A PlayDay is a day designed to draw attention to a range of play activities, while providing an opportunity for children, families, members of the community, and teachers to share in physical and mental challenges without facing the pressure of winning or losing a game. PlayDays can range from massive park events for thousands of children and…

This study investigated preschoolers' understanding of three parental emotions: happiness, sadness, and anger. The study also examined relationships of these understandings to preschoolers' emotional competence. Subjects, 70 children with a mean age of 55 months, were presented with a dollhouse and were encouraged to imagine that the dollhouse…

A total of 48 Canadian, middle-class 3-year-olds participated in a study of their abilities to predict the actions of a story character with a false belief and a story character engaged in pretence. In the experimental situation, a red puppet with pen-markers for legs left an "inky trail" to the location of a hidden treasure in one of…

Examines the philosophy of traditional kindergarten education and presents parallels to the open classroom approach. Questions and paradoxes suggested by the parallels are discussed. (SDH)