Examines some common behavior problems in middle schools and explores research-based implications for establishing a positive and supportive learning environment. Discusses the emergent role that school personnel play in promoting positive academic and behavioral outcomes for all students. Presents specific proactive strategies for supporting and…

Examines Hong Kong's educational system following reversion to the jurisdiction of mainland China in 1997. Presents an overview of the education system, education and schooling in a post-colonial context, school curriculum reform, improving student assessment mechanisms, enhancing access and equity, improving teacher education and professionalism,…

Asserts that informational reading material is scarce in primary classrooms and that many primary grade teachers do not know enough strategies for helping children understand this type of reading material. Describes an effort to engage a group of first-grade children in reading and writing experiences involving informational texts and related…

Describes the curriculum activities in one child-centered, developmentally appropriate child care facility preschool classroom. Explains how activities are selected according to children's needs, interest, and ability, and how activities address the kindergarten core competencies mandated by the North Carolina public school system. Asserts that…

This article synthesizes key principles that teachers should utilize to support English language learners in mainstream early childhood classrooms. Principles include treating children fairly, which entails treating children differently; providing an appropriate language environment; providing adequate English instruction to allow basic…

Highlights some common misunderstandings of multicultural education that impede understanding among minority children. Provides society-, school-, family-, and child-related justifications for intercultural understanding among children from different minority groups. Offers suggestions for an ideal intercultural program, focusing on schools'…

Cites the example of a 4-year-old with Down syndrome attending an inclusive early childhood program to illustrate how the ecological assessment and planning process is used to individualize instruction. Includes a list of the child' IEP goals and objectives, a copy of the ecological planning form, and a description of adaptations and arrangements.…

The purpose of this research is to explore the role of a director of a preschool program who mentors and trains high school students to teach and work directly with preschool children in the context of individual lessons, small group activities, and large group instruction. This participant-observer research study also examines how the director…

This article provides an overview of prekindergarten mathematics as related to national standards. Included are descriptions of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics principles and standards, the fundamental concepts developed and learned in early childhood, and naturalistic and informal instructional examples. Each concept is connected…

Teachers have the opportunity to discuss the emotions of children as they occur in the context of the classroom. As such, teachers play an important role in the socialization of emotions of young children. This observational study examines teachers' discussions of emotions in three child care centers. The findings suggest that child care centers…

Quilts, with their bright colors, puzzle-like patterns and comforting touch, naturally appeal to children. Quilts may cover beds, blanket naps, or serve some other function in children's homes, and the family context of quilts makes them appropriate for exploring diversity with young children in the classroom. A rich and extensive collection of…

There are various opinions concerning the value of positive reinforcement when discussing modifying behaviors of young children. In some cases, individuals considered positive reinforcement difficult to implement and, in extreme cases, even felt it to be detrimental. Educators often use praise interchangeably with positive reinforcement when…

The theory of the multiple intelligences are discussed in relation to working with young children and young children with disabilities. A rationale for the use of the multiple intelligences is discussed as well as practical suggestions on how they can be incorporated into early childhood programs.

Teachers working in early care and education programs are engaging in professional development activities, many times without a foundation in child development or early childhood education. It is difficult for teachers to apply what is presented in professional development experiences to their classroom. The use of children's projects, the topic…

This paper will review the literature on the rate, stability, and outcomes associated with externalizing behavior problems prior to kindergarten entry. Bronfenbrenner's (The ecology of human development. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press) ecological framework will be used to present the factors related to the onset and persistence of…