Explains that Hunter's Instructional Theory Into Practice/Teacher Assessment Model and developmentally appropriate practices are mutually incompatible alternatives to good early childhood education practices. (BB)

Reviews the literature which presents theory and research that places early communicative development in the context of familiar experiences that occur over time. (BB)

Videotaped four- to eight-year olds as they interacted with computer software at different levels of developmental appropriateness. Facial expressions and other affective behaviors were analyzed as a function of age, presence of a peer, and appropriateness of software. Found that responses were mediated more by age, gender, and social condition…

Examines three early childhood gifted programs at the University of Illinois: (1) University Primary School, which uses an interest-based curriculum; (2) Retrieval and Acceleration of Promising Handicapped Talented, with a teacher-determined curriculum; and (3) Bringing Out Head Start Talents, serving children from lower class families in a…

Discusses ways in which early childhood teachers can educate parents about the necessity for developmentally appropriate education at the preschool and primary levels, despite widespread parental preferences for an inappropriate, structured academic curriculum. Teachers can explain the purposes of developmentally appropriate curriculum to parents,…

Notes that the increasing numbers of children from a variety of cultures and backgrounds attending preschools present new challenges for many teachers and parents. Discusses ways to provide developmentally appropriate activities for bilingual children. Stresses involving parents contributes to both the child's and parents' positive attitudes…

Discusses ways science can be included in every activity of the preschoolers' day. Describes four characteristics of young children that are important to remember when planning science activities. Provides guidelines for developing and evaluating science activities. Presents a preschool unit on insects and offers suggestions for incorporating…

Compares recent policy changes in Alberta and British Columbia concerning preschool and primary education. Discusses the conflicts involved in a movement away from centrally imposed models of norm-referenced attainment to a more child-focused developmentally based curriculum in a flexible nongraded setting. Contains 30 references. (SV)

Describes ways to involve young children in early childhood programs in environmental issues. Focuses on three approaches: the "love approach," which fosters children's appreciation for the natural world; the "know approach," which helps children become knowledgeable about the environment; and the "do approach," which…

Maintains that, because social development begins in the early years, it is appropriate for early childhood programs to include periodic formal and informal assessments of children's progress in the acquisition of social competence. A checklist of social attributes for teachers to use in examining children is provided. (BB)

Discusses topics that are especially appropriate for investigation by young learners and describes activities that stimulate children's curiosity. Suggestions about ways to focus children's attention on mathematical aspects of the activities are offered. (BB)

This article elaborates on three principles which are the foundation of the developmental approach to early childhood education. These principles are multiage grouping, nongraded curricular materials, and interactive teaching. (IAH)

Learning sign language is a multisensory, high-interest, developmentally appropriate activity for young children. Learning to sign improves children's attention, self-esteem, motivation, sensitivity to others, language development, reading and math readiness, behavior management, vocabularies, and retention; and allows for inclusion of special…

Examines definitions of sexual abuse and primary prevention; considers the appropriateness and fairness of child abuse prevention programs in the light of child abuse theory and developmentally appropriate educational practices; and reviews the quality and effects of some programs. Suggests caregivers and educators consider greater parent and…

In response to extended-day child care schedules, this article offers suggestions for planning a variety of developmentally appropriate activities to maintain the preschool child's interest and energy. Suggestions are provided for scheduling, enlisting parent and volunteer participation, increasing awareness of current events, and for end-of-day…