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.…

Describes an artist-in-residence experience at a private Montessori school. Discusses the Montessori philosophy regarding art education, the artist's challenge to the Montessori approach, and art experiences. Asserts that the artist-in-residence demonstrated a merging of the precepts of the Reggio Emilia approach, Montessori principles, and the…

Advocates use of documentation panels in early childhood classrooms to communicate with families regarding their children's activities and learning, and the teacher's educational philosophy. Discusses steps for constructing documentation panels and the types of information the panel can communicate. Asserts that documentation panels communicate…

Examines the present state of early care and education in Ghana. Includes historical background related to mission schools and day nurseries prior to independence from Britain. Describes the current registration and supervision of early childhood programs, the types of preschool facilities, and future plans for early childhood development.…

Describes development of a Temple University course on curriculum in early childhood education that provides 60 percent of instruction on-line. Includes information on course design, instructional methods, course implementation, and student course evaluation. Found that students' views about on-line instruction were positive overall and that…

Reviews literature on children's use of metaphors, focusing on how metaphorical language is used in the learning process and the implications for teachers in helping their students use metaphorical language and thereby build knowledge of the world. Asserts that teachers need to speak metaphorically and that conversation, writing, and literature…

Urges caution in purchasing educational products or incorporating educational approaches presented as "brain-based." Critiques brain research on critical periods and enriched environments. Notes that no studies have connected physiological brain function and educational practice and that educators need to be aware of the dangers in making…

Asserts that family dinners deserve attention as a positive contributor to children's well-being. Maintains that family dinners give stability to a potentially confusing day, present a place for children to express themselves, and provide children's first community. Includes ideas for helping families identify their own dinner patterns and…

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…

Maintains that computer software and Internet exploration introduce playful elements into learning. Discusses the implications of "edutainment," a technologically mediated learning/enjoyment combination of experiences. Suggests that school may no longer be the primary site for learning but that teachers may need to reevaluate their educational…

Contrasts the use of behavioral and developmental theories to address a child's aggression. Presents concerns about the use of social reinforcers, activity reinforcers, and tangible reinforcers. Asserts that behavioral techniques that shape children's surface behaviors without placing the behaviors within a developmental context may interfere with…

Examined opinions of diverse parents, teachers, and academics regarding Japanese society, its infant/toddler care system, labor force, and family. Found evidence of a difficult transition in the culture of child rearing, including increased caregiver responsibility for child rearing and increased anxiety about parenting among young mothers.…

Describes the "Beautiful Me!" kindergarten unit, which uses children's literature to help children develop a rich vocabulary to describe themselves, their friends, and family, and to avoid words placing people into categories and stereotypes. Activities include providing various skin-tone crayons for drawing and using craft materials to depict…

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…