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…

Describes a play-therapy group for sexually abused children in a rural California area. The focus of the group therapy was to restore the children's self-esteem. Services were part of an overall treatment program for families. (Author/DB)

Describes the use of a game, Grand Prix Wagon Racing, to prompt speaking in the foreign language and to provide visibility among parents and administrators of the foreign language program. (PMJ)

Presents an overview of developmentally appropriate practices for preschool classrooms. Discusses the role of the teacher, and emphasizes the use of age-appropriate schedules, space, group and individual activities, music and movement, as well as interest-based curricula. (MOK)

After arguing that there are substantial advantages to incorporating student play as a learning strategy in educational reform, the paper defines play, notes common misconceptions about play, examines reasons why children play, describes types of play, and looks at the function, outcome, and benefits of play. (SM)

Proposes a narrative approach to moral experience through dramatic play and writing. Argues this approach works with multiple dimensions in student lives and gives them chances to benefit from their moral experiences. Bases this approach to moral education on action research conducted in Quebec (Canada) and Belgium secondary moral education…

Describes three types of functional assessment of young children with special needs: play-based, family interviews, and the evaluation of multiple intelligences. Claims that all three types are useful for planning developmentally appropriate interventions and are positive because the emphasis is on the children's and their families' strengths…

Studied relationship of temperament and same-sex peer interaction with gender differences in adjustment. Found that highly arousable boys who played with same-sex peers had increased problem behaviors. Arousable girls who played with other girls were relatively unlikely to show problem behaviors. The arousability and same-sex peer interaction…

Provides a theory- and research-based argument for the value of play in literacy instruction in the primary grades and offers examples of the ways teachers can create more playful phonics, read aloud, and expository writing experiences. Urges teachers to become well-versed in the values of play and be willing to educate administrators and parents…