Asserts that play is an important medium for young children's learning, one that contributes to the child's cognitive, physical, emotional, and social development. Discusses the qualities that distinguish play from other activities, the skills children develop from exposure to a variety of play experiences at home and in the classroom, and…

Describes strategies teacher educators and supervisors can use to help early childhood teachers learn appropriate teaching practices. Methods, techniques, and strategies discussed include modeling, observing teachers in action, discussing sample scenarios, providing direct instruction, readings, writing assignments, and supervised practice.…

In learning communities, the learning experience is a shared process as teachers and students work together through negotiation toward a common goal. This article identifies critical features of learning communities and presents highlights from community building experiences in a Hawaii kindergarten classroom. Shares insights gleaned from the…

This article describes how a first-grade teacher used poetry to provide students of diverse ability levels with reading and language activities that stimulated their interest and improved basic skills. Activities with poetry included reading the poems aloud individually and as a group, discussing and analyzing the poems' words and meanings, and…

Notes that many children in today's classrooms exhibit a variety of emotional and social difficulties, and discusses the use of bibliotherapy, an approach that uses literature as an effective way to remediate such difficulties. Explains emotional intelligence and how bibliotherapy can promote development of the socioemotional competence necessary…

Examined an e-mail pen pal project between a second-grade classroom in the United States and one in China. Found that the project engaged students in learning through social interaction that enabled them to learn about a culture other than their own. Also found that the project enhanced students' social, cognitive, and linguistic skills, and…

Notes that India has experienced conditions that have lead to significant illiteracy, but that commitment to education can be found in lesser-known parts of India today. Profiles three schools in Tamil Nadu and describes a typical school day for a student with special needs, a student in a tribal setting, and a student in a rural setting. (TJQ)

Discusses chronic behavior problems that occur in early childhood classrooms and the need to intervene at an early age to prevent continued conduct problems. Examines different kinds of challenging behaviors and motivations for them. Suggests intervention methods to prevent antisocial behavior and strategies for teaching children alternative…

Details seven ways adults can ensure children's safety on the Internet: become familiar with the Internet community; learn how the Internet works; identify quality sites; learn what sites to avoid; teach children basic rules for Internet safety; place computers in high traffic areas and monitor use; and respond thoughtfully if a child visits an…

Discusses reasons childhood obesity has reached epidemic proportions and the numerous health problems that can result. Suggests parents incorporate physical activity into their family's lifestyle; advocate for daily outdoor recess at school; provide healthful meals; respect their child's appetite; not use food for comfort or as reward; and limit…

Summarizes ERIC documents and journal articles and highlights World Wide Web resources that discuss uses of technology in the elementary school classroom to foster student learning. (TJQ)

World-wide incorporation of new technologies into the classroom has revealed many common issues. These include the following: governments link educational technology to their country's stature; appropriate teacher training is lacking; equity and accessibility vary; and because technologies engage children with learning in new and dynamic ways,…

Notes that rapid introduction of information and communication technologies in United Kingdom schools, along with government-mandated curriculum requirements, has not been matched by growth in practitioners' understanding of appropriate ways to use the technology. Examines the successful implementation of technology in early childhood settings…

A case study of an elementary school in Hong Kong found students benefit most when provided many opportunities to use information technologies (IT). Teachers' attitudes influence students' attitudes toward IT, and teachers are more likely to use technology if equipment is in the classroom. Improved curriculum and teaching methods will ensure the…

Examines the critical role of information and communication technologies (ICT) in Swedish early childhood classrooms. Suggests that for children to become skillful users of ICT, equipment and a variety of software must be readily available, and teachers must develop their expertise with technology in order to use it effectively and creatively in…