A study evaluated a program for training two preschool educators to promote cooperative participation between preschoolers with and without disabilities. The training program consisted of viewing examples of how to promote and praise cooperative participation, along with specific instructions and on-the-job feedback. Instruction resulted in…

Notes that most playgrounds for young children fail to encourage children's respect for or interaction with the natural environment, and offers a rationale and some ideas and guidelines for playground improvement. Focuses on how to use the outdoor play area to foster an understanding and appreciation of the natural environment. (Author/SD)

Investigation of the social preferences of typically developing children (N=40) toward peers (N=19) with special needs in inclusive preschool classrooms found the children with special needs received few positive playmate preference nominations, but did not receive a significant number of negative nominations. Children were disliked if they were…

Argues that playgrounds must provide all children with opportunities for physical, social, constructive, dramatic, and game play. Suggests that considerations include playground regulations, safety, age appropriate areas, accommodation of children with physical disabilities, materials selection, construction, available manufactured play equipment,…

The cognitive demand in questions directed to Mexican-descent children by their mothers and fathers were analyzed for videotaped play situations involving gender-neutral, masculine-, or feminine-stereotyped toys. Mothers asked proportionately more conceptual questions than did fathers. Mothers' question asking was influenced by child gender,…

Defines the elements of play, illuminating its central role in young children's learning and development. Focuses on how play experiences contribute to children's independence in negotiating, its role in keeping children involved, and the play-reality distinction. Offers suggestions to teachers for facilitating and supporting children's play,…

Presents a study that compared expressive language opportunities provided by shared book reading and facilitated play and examined the language of young Australian children (n=22) with intellectual disabilities. Finds that the shared book reading elicited more intelligible and complex language. Includes references. (CMK)

Presents four research-based strategies for promoting reading achievement in after-school programs: literacy centers, a print-rich environment, play-based learning, and theme-related activities. Discusses the importance of making books readily available to children, including opportunities for students to read to one another and discuss what they…

Focuses on music education at the early childhood level, addressing materials that assist teachers in developing the reception and expression skills of children. Reviews materials such as, "First Steps in Music for Infants and Toddlers,""MusicPlay," and "Jump Right In." Includes Web sites and other resources. (CMK)

Mothers and caregivers of 28 preschoolers were trained to facilitate children's play. Play training of adults was shown to be an effective mechanism for enhancing preschoolers' verbal cognition. Training of mothers and caregivers was more effective than training of caregivers only. (CB)

Discusses the beginnings, the demise, and the present status of gardens in preschool or day care centers. Describes the nursery garden developed by Margaret McMillan. (BG)

In this dialogue between two specialists in staff development of child caregivers, the roles of early childhood teachers and child care directors are considered. The need for teachers to observe play and the ways in which training can motivate teachers to observe play are discussed. Directors need to model observation skills for novice teachers.…

An alternating individual and group-oriented reinforcement contingency did not generate consistent levels of supportive peer behaviors between two preschoolers with handicaps and their socially competent peers. Two socially competent children were then taught to deliver supportive prompts to their peers during dramatic play, increasing the…

Observed preschool children with their parents at two separations and reunions at nursery school to determine the role of proximal and distal factors. Parent and child pairs behaved in reciprocal and complementary ways, indicating mutual influence. (BB)

Presents a picture of the curriculum at the Pullenvale Field Study Centre. The curriculum is based on a drama theme called "The Settlers," and relates to Year Five Social Studies. Describes the curriculum in its current form and its development. Also considers the cyclic process, involving planning, action, observation, and reflection.…