A teacher's use of appealing physical education activities to develop other educational skills and to encourage behavior change in learning impaired children is described. The teacher makes up a behavior plan with each child in the homeroom; positive behavior earns breaks, free play, and the right to use gym equipment and to participate in…

Children (ages three and four) living in high-rise flats performed poorly on gross motor ability tests as compared to children living in houses. (CP)

Examined relationship between socioeconomic status (SES) and mediated learning experience (MLE) in mother-child free-play and structured interaction situations, and how well MLE predicted cognitive performance of kindergartners. Found that MLE scores were positively related to SES, and higher in free-play than in structured situations, especially…

Notes the existence of gender bias in early childhood education. Provides a list of "Do's" and "Don'ts" for teachers and administrators to eliminate bias. Claims that by reviewing this list and supporting information, teachers can become more knowledgeable about hidden bias and learn how to change their behavior to provide the…

A longitudinal study of 99 students attending 1 rural and 1 urban elementary school in Yugoslavia evaluated the effects of an interdisciplinary play-oriented program based on drama, story making, art-constructive activities, group research, and various games. Results showed an improvement in creativity, motivation to learn, and expressive…

Discusses a project that examined literacy development within the context of play in two Reykjavik preschool classrooms. Suggests that preschool teachers should enrich dramatic play with literacy props and print materials. Indicates that incorporating print materials in dramatic play provides a natural extension of children's preschool work and…

Presents activities to integrate money concepts, and in turn mathematical concepts, with other curriculum areas in the early childhood classroom. Offers suggestions in such areas as children's books on money concepts (a short list is provided), dramatic play, science explorations, creative art and language activities, food or cooking activities,…

Early childhood perceptual-motor programs as preventive and remedial measures present three concerns: (1) they have minimal positive effects; (2) funds could be used to investigate more effective educational strategies; and (3) the rationale for these programs does not fit with the Australian Early Childhood Association's Code of Ethics. Play is…

Discusses the importance of play for the development of young children. Defines constructive play and identifies the benefits of play for children. Describes the current play landscape as characterized by increasing "screen time," limited outdoor play time, increased violence exposure, overscheduling, and overfacilitating. Emphasizes…

Demonstrates how role-playing in a mock trial situation allows children to view critically both sides of an issue and introduce them to trial procedure. Offers pre-trial activities, ways to teach students to see both sides of a situation, themes for mock trials, and supporting resources. (GG)

Analyses of communicative exchanges among 64 playgroup children revealed that both 3-and 4-year-old nonhandicapped children adjusted the communicative function, style, and affective quality of their interactions when addressing mildly developmentally delayed companions. Adjustments were more closely related to interpersonal and social status…

Briefly discusses the evolution of children's real and imaginary fears and appropriate ways that preschool teachers and caregivers can help children cope with these fears. (BB)

Describes an action research study that observed the use of Logo by first grade children in public schools. Students' use of screen wraps is highlighted, and learning activities other than programing that resulted are described, including problem solving, acquisition of mathematical concepts and language, peer tutoring, and productive play. (LRW)

Parents of four nonverbal and four echolalic autistic children, aged five-nine, were trained to increase their children's speech by using the Natural Language Paradigm. Following training, parents increased the frequency with which they required their children to speak, and children increased the frequency of their verbalizations in three…

Discusses two contrasting philosophies of education for three-, four-, and five-year-old children: the developmentally appropriate approach to learning and the academic or behavior modification approach. Discusses the manner in which preschool children learn self-esteem and self-discipline in both educational settings. (BB)