Certain at-risk behavior patterns are often associated with traumatic childhood experiences. With the role of schools evolving to shape children's developmental needs in today's world, educators across the globe bear an increasingly greater responsibility to identify and address these symptoms associated with childhood trauma. Given the…

Asserts that the same positive outcomes associated with reading aloud to children also apply to oral storytelling, and encourages parents to share their culture, values, and beliefs through storytelling to their children. Presents specific ideas for storytelling, including "me" stories, story starters, nursery rhymes, books, cooking, make-believe,…

Identifies techniques to help siblings develop mutual caring and lifelong bonds. Suggests parents consider the challenges of a new child, a child's perspective about a new sibling, timing of birth announcements and adjustment, the unique character of each child, children's age differences, and the gift of having siblings. (DLH)

Examines the range of children's responses to traumatic events and identifies common symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Identifies protective and risk factors for PTSD. Discusses ways early childhood educators can provide a sense of security and regularity in their classrooms and use classroom activities to facilitate coping with…

This article shares a personal perspective on school mental health through a discussion of the ways that schools currently address mental health, an example of advancing such work through a school district mental health unit, and reflection on some important lessons learned. The article's appendix lists five sample delivery mechanisms and formats.…

Highlights ways parents can support the development of writing at home through engaging activities. Offers suggestions including: (1) writing as an extension of imagination; (2) pictures and words; (3) expanding drawing; (4) entering the social world; and (5) everyday activities as sources of ideas. Asserts that forming a literacy club will help…

Discusses issues related to working with young children with autism for elementary school teachers. Describes characteristics of autism, the need for early intervention, and the general principles for effective practices with autistic students, and classroom adaptations. Includes a list of organizations concerned with autism. (JPB)

Presents information for parents on children's language development prior to speaking the first word, focusing on infants' readiness to learn language. Describes ways parents can support the development of language as a social and intellectual skill, including talking early and often, using songs and poetry, describing experiences, using books,…

Provides general guidelines for using historical reenactments to teach elementary school social studies, focusing on the French colonization in America. Discusses the use of older student mentors, parent volunteers, and first-person historical presentations. Describes benefits to learners, strategies for reenactment, and evaluation procedures.…

Shows how a university course in human growth and learning can provide multiple opportunities to explore the concept of community for preservice teachers. Provides a rationale for building community and discusses students' concerns with behavior management and school violence. Presents strategies that build communities, including demonstrating the…

Outlines issues surrounding interactive toys and analyzes features of such toys. Describes strategies for educators and parents to mitigate interactive toys' deficiencies and help children interact with them in ways that stimulate imagination and foster development. Asserts that interactive toy use should be limited because only through contact…

Focuses on the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics 2000 process-oriented standards of problem solving, reasoning and proof, communication, connections, and representation as providing a framework for using the multiple intelligences that children bring to mathematics learning. Presents ideas for mathematics lessons and activities to…

Describes the concept of a kid-friendly home environment that attracts and welcomes children into the home. Provides a series of simple steps leading to positive relations with children and their friends to create an "open house," as well as a description of the positive effects such an environment has on children. (SD)

Discusses children's experiences with stress, using key concepts of the cognitive-transactional model. Relates stressors to cognitive appraisal, identifies coping strategies, lists resources, and offers suggestions for interventions in the classroom. Recommends identifying and responding to daily stressors with children, facilitating coping…

Discusses teaching English to second-language students. Suggests using learners' spontaneous expressions of ideas to recognize students' potential for understanding ideas in English. Recommends teachers help children see how their ideas affect the class; respond to unanticipated expressions of thinking; and extend the discussion with an array of…