Designed as a resource and as a guide for professionals who work with children and their families, this book explores the cathartic effect of humor on children, and looks at humor as an infusion of energy that promotes healthy growth, development, and adjustment in children of all ages. The chapters are as follows: (1) "Introduction: A Global…

The move to a more integrated setting for preschool classrooms has become a primary choice in the education of young children. The current research suggests that inclusion at the preschool level has a social impact on the behaviors of young children. Studies examining child play preference and attitudes towards children with disabilities have…

Distributed by the U.S. Departments of Agriculture, Education, and Health and Human Services, this Spanish-language pamphlet provides parents with information and advice about their infants in the fifth month of life. Following a brief description of developmental characteristics at this age, the pamphlet offers information on topics including…

This study compared the participation in various types of activities during the elementary school years of academically successful and unsuccessful youth. The academically successful group consisted of 63 college students from lower level general communication classes. The two unsuccessful comparison groups consisted of 53 youth, ages 13 to 16…

Recognizing that the development of an emotional bond between children and their parents stems from the ability to express love and the willingness to share time together, this book is designed to assist parents spend quantity time with their children and establish opportunities for appreciating each other's company. The book is based on START…

Based on the view that blocks are a tool that preschool teachers can use to teach all the skills and concepts necessary for children to be successful learners, this guide presents over 50 activities to enhance the preschool and kindergarten classroom's block corner. Chapter 1 of the guide illustrates the skills learned through block play in the…

Recognizing that creativity facilitates children's learning and development, the Head Start Program Performance Standards require Head Start programs to include opportunities for creative self-expression. This guide with accompanying videotape, both in English- and Spanish- language versions, encourages and assists adults to support children's…

Based on the view that the early childhood care and education environment can have a tremendous influence on infant and toddler development, this book will assist early childhood teachers/caregivers in meeting the challenge of creating an effective learning environment for infants and toddlers. The book includes ideas for planning, using, and…

Based on developmentally appropriate practices, research, NAEYC (National Association for the Education of Young Children) standards, and Head Start guidelines, the Teaching Your Young Child Series is a videotape and print parent curriculum that gives parents the skills to help their children be more successful in school. The curriculum, intended…

This document presents guidelines for preschool learning experiences in Massachusetts programs for 3- and 4-year-olds and is designed to be used by teachers and program administrators in planning and evaluating curricula. The guidelines structure learning through play and meaningful activities in a developmental sequence and are based on the…

The Illinois Early Learning Project (IEL) is funded by the Illinois State Board of Education to provide information resources on early learning and training related to implementing the Illinois Early Learning Standards for parents and for early childhood personnel in all settings. The IEL tip sheets offer suggestions to parents and early childhood…

The Miscellaneous, Part II Section of the proceedings contains the following eight papers: "Academic Letters of Recommendation: Perceived Ethical Implications and Harmful Effects of Exaggeration" (David L. Martinson and Michael Ryan); "It's All about the Information Salience Effects on the Perceptions of News Exemplification"…

This document collects the 12 monthly issues of Volume 30 of "Exceptional Parent," a magazine focused on practical advice for parents of children with disabilities. Most issues include a focus topic as well as articles on other issues, columns, reviews, and letters. The issues focus on the following areas: (1) an extensive resource guide; (2)…

Creative drama, as a language art, has been a part of the elementary school curriculum for a number of years. Community organizations also have long been concerned with offering children rewarding experiences in creative dramatics, and many have pioneered in the establishment of children's theaters. Because of the relatively small percentage of…

A study was conducted to demonstrate and evaluate instructional procedures for teaching cooperative leisure skill activities to 23 school-age children with severe learning disabilities. The approach of modeling, social reinfocement, and the availability of cooperative type materials (e.g., games) was effective in facilitating cooperative leisure…