This book offers information and insights for university dance educators and their students, administrators, policy makers, parents, dance instructors, dancers, and dance enthusiasts. Part 1, "Understanding Dance Education," explains key features of the discipline of dance and how it is a performing, liberal, physical, and applied art. Its four…

This study examined the impact of a multicultural preschool curriculum in Slovenia on preschool children's sensitization to cultural differences and understanding of themselves, others, and different cultures. The curriculum was implemented for a 1-month period for 6.6- to 7-year-olds. Multicultural enrichment was evident in wall decorations, toys…

The school yard has been one of the least utilized of our educational resources. Surfaced with a view to his convenience and used mostly in accordance with his desires, it has practically belonged to the janitor. In the past 10 years the great play movement has burst upon us and has brought with it an illumination as to the educational value of…

For the first time, American people, released from the strain of the physical building and equipping of a country during which work was our doctrine and gospel, are summoned to discover the meaning of the word "recreation" and translate its spirit into practice. Through this great movement toward the use of leisure time, bringing play to people of…

Under Hitler, art and drama were controlled in order to serve propaganda purposes exclusively, while under the New Deal the United States succeeded in giving work to artists and writers without controlling their output. Suggests class activities to help students gain understanding of this era. (CS)

A study was done to compare humor development in preschool children from poor Black, poor Mexican American, and middle class White racial-ethnic groups. Results suggest that, while the White group was different in the usage of verbal humor, the three groups did not differ markedly in their overall sense of humor. (JN)

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…