Examines the major characteristics of nontraditional or alternative assessment in language learning, the uses of alternative assessment procedures, and different types of alternative assessment. An annotated bibliography discusses eight important works in the field. (75 references) (MDM)

Discusses current issues and trends in kindergarten education, and the social and educational forces that precipitated them, within the context of the historical perspective of kindergarten in the United States. Focuses on developmentally appropriate practice, child-centered programs, parent education and involvement, and quality teaching. (TJQ)

Children who do not learn responsible anger management are more likely than other children to engage in negative peer interactions and respond to anger with socially unconstructive responses. To encourage anger management in children, teachers can model anger management; avoid shaming children; increase children's understanding of anger; help…

Many drug abuse prevention programs and materials, such as the "Smart Choices" newsletter for kindergartners, are developmentally inappropriate for young children. Successful preventive measures need to address the mixed messages that society itself gives to children about alcohol and other drugs and present developmentally appropriate instruction…

Challenges the thinking about planning activities for children around holidays in Head Start programs. Discusses the role of holidays as family events and the difficulties surrounding teaching preschoolers the meaning of holidays. Suggests ways to use holidays as an opportunity to truly expand children's knowledge using child development…

The recent call for developmentally appropriate practices is analyzed from the perspective of the sociology of the curriculum, which is examined briefly. Discussion covers metaphors that form the foundation of curriculum theory and two alternative metaphors: early childhood education as caring and as schooling for democracy. (LB)

Discusses the purposes of assessment in programs for young children and the role of assessment in the context of children's lives, parents' concerns, and teachers' and administrators' situations. Also discusses how observation-based assessment can be used as part of a developmentally appropriate assessment process serving children, parents,…

Extra-year programs for children in kindergarten and first grade are not cost effective and have a tendency to keep children out of school. What does work is a developmentally appropriate curriculum for the primary grades that emphasizes integrated learning across the curriculum, small group instruction, and mixed-age grouping. (MLF)

Argues that worksheets are limited teaching tools because they do not address preschoolers' developmental needs such as hands-on play. Presents characteristics of early learning that can be facilitated by play, which fosters children's social and language development, physical skills, and creative and critical thinking. Suggests that learning can…

Presents research findings and suggestions on how children learn to categorize shapes. Discusses specific ways to present developmentally appropriate activities designed to enhance children's understanding of basic shapes. Contains 12 references. (ASK)

Considers theory, standards, guidelines, and rationale for technology in the preschool environment. Examines practices of 12 diverse preschool sites and derives 4 models that enable early learners to engage and experience technology within a developmentally appropriate learning environment. Focuses on technology-infused preschool models for…

Discusses the value of middle school reform involving interdisciplinary teaming, advisory programs, and developmentally appropriate practices, noting that true middle schools improve academic achievement and standardized test scores. Argues against a pendulum swing away from middle school reform and toward standards-based curriculum. (JPB)

This article refutes 10 myths and identifies literature that supports service delivery to infants and toddlers with disabilities in natural settings. The benefits of naturalistic intervention, home-based services, and family-centered services are discussed, and concerns regarding therapist shortages, ethical problems, personal safety of providers,…

Describes how the young children of the Early Learning Center in the Chelsea (Massachusetts) school district learned about Igor Stravinsky's ballet suite, "The Firebird." Explains that children in three kindergarten classes depicted the ballet's characters in a participatory performance. Highlights some qualitative observations. (CMK)

Discusses why the early childhood education curriculum should provide opportunities for children to deal with moral issues and think about right and wrong in developmentally appropriate ways. Suggests ways in which teachers can assist children in this development and activities that promote growing experiences. (ET)