Notes that aesthetic movement is a thoughtful expression of some of the child's deepest intellectual intentions. Presents practical classroom activities for preschool settings that offer children opportunities to engage in aesthetic movement that will develop their intelligences, connections across various "knowledge domains," ability to…

Addresses teachers' frustration in reconciling appropriate education for young children with the practice of grading to assess and report progress, contending that research on unreliability in grading and the efforts of committed parents and professionals are necessary to change the practice. Summarizes research suggesting that grading is…

Discusses the importance of, and issues associated with, developing strong partnerships with the families that early childhood programs serve. Describes resources that recognize the centrality of the relationship between professionals and families and that offer advice on building quality programs that reflect this relationship. (TJQ)

Examines the use of perceptual-motor programs as physical education in early childhood programs. Contends that low rates of physical activity without variety, little skill instruction, teacher-centered instruction, limited opportunities to develop social skills, and a multiple station format are counterproductive to motor skill development and…

One kindergarten teacher engaged children in conversations about environmental print and thus made literacy learning more meaningful and personally connected to the children's outside school experiences. Activities included an environmental print show-and-tell, and small-group and whole-class word-logo matching activities. It was concluded that…

Discusses how orienting a student to a Primary Montessori program is influenced by the child's experience in an Assistants to Infancy program. Maintains that introducing the zero-to-three sub plane changes the overall character of a school, requiring a new theory-practice framework for parent education, the role of the school in all-day programs,…

This article describes specific steps educational teams can follow to embed individualized education program (IEP) goals and objectives into daily activities and routines and, therefore, enhance the likelihood that intervention efforts are effective, individualized, and developmentally appropriate for young children with disabilities. Strategies…

Examines the need to redefine school readiness and to implement strategies that will ensure that children are "ready to succeed" when they enter school. (PCB)

Presents principles for devising and using developmentally appropriate procedures for assessing young children's reading and writing. Contends that informal observations and structured performance sample assessments are more appropriate than standardized tests. Offers specific examples of assessments of several aspects of literacy development. (RH)

Presents a procedure used at one cooperative preschool to orient parents and volunteer participants to a developmentally appropriate program. (BB)

This article explores the effects of the integration movement on the placement of preschoolers with disabilities and describes the effects of integration and developmentally appropriate practice (DAP) methodology on assessment and instructional practices. The paper concludes that programs following the DAP guidelines can be adapted to promote…

Surveyed 112 early childhood teachers, administrators, college faculty, curriculum specialists, business representatives, and students on the current status of computer integration in early childhood classrooms. Found that 79% of the respondents used computers with children aged 3-5 years and that the majority stressed that computer software for…

Examines definitions, scope, and negative effects of child abuse and neglect. Recommends inclusive therapeutic preschool programs to address special needs of children with significant histories of child maltreatment. Identifies service coordination for families and integration of early education and related services as critical components of the…

Examines the implications of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the role of developmentally appropriate practice when insuring the safe inclusion of children with disabilities in play environments. Discusses four principles that should guide the creation of safe, inclusive play environments: safety; developmentally appropriate practice;…

Illustrates developmentally appropriate physics activities for young children. Addresses ways that teachers can use the environment to teach physics and answers the questions: What is the value of physics for young children? What are criteria for developmentally appropriate physics activities? How does one integrate physics into a project or unit…