Presents three activities for teaching spelling to students in grades 2-6 using individualized weekly spelling lists made up of developmentally appropriate words. (SM)

Argues that goals of early education programs should be environmentally, as well as developmentally, appropriate. Lists guidelines for helping children develop a lifelong attitude of environmental awareness and care. (ET)

Discusses the concept of developmentally appropriate practice (DAP) and common misconceptions about it. DAP stresses that child care workers need to treat all children as individuals; gain specialized knowledge about child development; and respect children's ability to carry out their duties effectively. (MDM)

Summarizes recent ERIC documents and journal articles relating to topics examined in this issue of the Early Childhood Research Quarterly. (BG)

Addresses four concerns raised by Bredekamp in her commentary on an earlier article by Fowell and Lawton. The earlier article proposed an alternative view of developmentally appropriate practices to that expressed in a position paper of the National Association for the Education of Young Children. (BB)

Reviews literature to describe young children's pitch-matching accuracy and vocal range, and outlines developmentally appropriate practice. Identifies internal and external influences on pitch-matching accuracy and vocal range. Suggests that children's musical development should be considered in a dynamic way and that what is called…

Draws on the insights of John Dewey to argue that the contrast between developmental appropriateness and academic rigor is an untenable dualism. Considers directions for middle school renewal that unite these two concepts. (JPB)

Explores the integration of developmentally and culturally appropriate practice (DCAP) within early childhood teachers' initial preparation and suggests DCAP's place in veteran practitioners' professional development. Presents a cycle of inquiry-oriented reflective supervision for DCAP that includes self-examination, reflective discussion,…

Responds to Lubeck's critique of developmentally appropriate practice (DAP) guidelines and their underlying premises. Maintains that guidelines are a starting point for decision making, that not all DAP classrooms look the same, and that it is important for early childhood educators to be knowledgeable regarding developmental milestones.…

This article deals with playthings and equipment that encourage child initiated play. Physical objects refer to concrete items within the play setting, such as balls, bats, craft supplies, playground equipment, musical instruments, and so forth. Social objects are other people, such as leaders, friends, teachers, and other participants. People are…

This study examines the psychometric properties of an observer measure of developmentally appropriate practices (DAP) for early elementary school classrooms, known as A Developmentally Appropriate Practices Template (ADAPT). Using a sample of 854-1511 first through third grade classrooms in 207-295 schools across 3 years, the study evaluates the…

Many teachers of students with mild disabilities experience difficulty writing IEPs, and they lack a foundation in the regular education curriculum of academic skills and sequences associated with each grade level. This book was designed to provide this foundation. Presented in the form of scope and sequence charts that can be used as objectives…

A range of electronic resources, including video-based instruction, are used to promote cybersafety to young people at school. This evaluation analyzed seven distinct programs that use electronic media in Internet safety initiatives in schools. The findings highlight emerging evidence on successful approaches to engage children in assessing risky…

This paper summarises the results of a Learning & Skills Development Agency-funded research project that focused on the pedagogy of teaching younger learners in English Further Education colleges. It sets out the background and rationale for the research, the methods used, and the main findings. It concludes by suggesting some features of best…

Increasingly sedentary lifestyles are contributing to overweight and other health concerns as children spend less and less time outside engaged in active play. Outdoor play provides important opportunities to explore the natural world, interact with peers, engage in vigorous physical activity, and learn about our environment. However, outdoor…