In this book, the methodology of cooperative learning, defined as the teaching strategy that involves children's participation in small group learning activities that promote positive interaction, is applied to early childhood education. The book contains the following chapters: (1) A Rationale for Cooperative Learning with Young Children, which covers appropriate learning environments, the role of cooperative learning, and the role of the teacher; (2) Group Building for Cooperation, including discussions of the need for group building, elements of group-building activities, group evaluation, whole class and paired group-building activities, and resources for group builders; (3) Nurturing Self-Esteem, which includes discussions of safety and security, success in school tasks, the identification of areas of personal strength and interest, group acceptance, and contributions to class success; (4) Social Skills and Cooperative Interaction, including discussions of cooperative interaction and children with special needs; (5) Communicating Effectively, which covers unfinished stories, oral language development, following directions, sharing teams, sharing team starters, thinking out loud together, and manipulatives; (6) Cooperation and Play, including discussions of the teacher's role, benefits, cooperative learning and cooperative play, dramatic play, songs and fingerplays, and resources for teachers; and (7) Making Decisions, which includes suggestions for activities. Contains approximately 85 references. (LB)