Examines the use of behavioral strategies in inclusive early childhood education settings, focusing on positive reinforcement. Notes that developmentally appropriate practice does not preclude the use of reinforcement as incentives. Describes different types of reinforcers and answers frequently asked questions about reinforcement strategies.…

Examined the use of reflective portfolios in preschool. Found that: with practice, preschool children provided meaningful, reflective responses when questioned about their portfolios; decision making in the classroom encouraged reflective thought; valued artifacts represented new learning, hard work, and independence; sharing artifacts with other…

Presents the use of family involvement webs to integrate diverse family life experiences to support the same education objectives. Describes steps to develop and implement family involvement webs, including identifying a theme, brainstorming family involvement activities, identifying family roles, implementing the web, and evaluating the outcome.…

Discusses young children's emotional responses during medical examinations and procedures, developmental changes in how they conceptualize illness causation, and the role of play to reduce stress. Describes how teachers can best facilitate structured dramatic medical play therapeutically. (KB)

Describes how experiential learning provides a context for developing work readiness in primary grades. Discusses how the competencies outlined in the SCANS Report (resource use, interpersonal skills, information utilization, knowledge of work-related systems, and technological expertise) can be applied in early childhood education. Details the…

Reflects upon the role of Dell C. Kjer, a leader in teacher education and president of the Association for Childhood Education International (ACEI) from 1965-1967. Describes his early years in Wisconsin, military duties and student life at George Peabody, his contributions to teacher education, and his contributions to ACEI and other professional…

Discusses the limitations of experimental studies of learning and the emergence of alternative paradigms such as constructivism. Examines the growth of teacher research and its historical influences, including Montessori, Dewey's Progressive Movement, and Lucy Sprague Mitchell. Discusses current trends in teacher research, asserting that it is…

Maintains that the most effective middle school educators focus on both learners and subject matter. Examines the subject-centered middle school patterned after junior high school models, the learner-centered middle school emerging in the 1960s, and the either-or dilemma. Asserts that adopting both perspectives holds the best potential for…

Examines the development of children's caring behavior. Suggests that caring behavior is evident from infancy, and notes the importance of individual differences, the role of modeling and encouraging empathy, and the importance of considering the impact of television and child rearing practices. Differentiates reinforcement from encouragement of…

Summarizes recent ERIC citations that discuss the uses of computers in elementary and early childhood education and their effects on children's learning and development. Includes annotations of documents and journal articles related to early literacy, integrating technology into the curriculum, cooperative learning, CD-ROM storybook programs,…

Describes ways young children disclose to their teachers that they have been sexually abused. Provides guidance for teachers on appropriate ways to respond in order to decrease children's trauma, including: remaining calm and reassuring, speaking on the child's level, not using words the child has not already used, and obtaining only the…

Describes the Early Learning Childhood Center in Azerbaijan's capital city. Focuses on the goals of the program; its initial development; staff ratios, compensation, and teacher training; curriculum; cultural challenges and compromise; and relationships with parents. Asserts that developing a culturally sensitive program is extremely difficult,…

Recounts the thoughts and experiences of one university professor returning to teach a class of 3-year-olds. Notes the differences between middle-aged and younger teachers, the importance of college-level educators revisiting "real" classrooms to connect theory with practice, the difficulty of balancing college and preschool teaching, and concerns…

Details a garden project as an example of how Reggio Emilia-inspired, long-term projects can enhance young children's representational thinking. Includes samples of children's conversations and drawings. Discusses the teacher's role in locating information and documenting the progress. Notes that well-planned, continual, active, concrete…

Defines dance education, noting that it enables all children to be expressive nonverbally and to incorporate the physical self as a functioning part of the whole social being. Differentiates dance training and education. Discusses the importance of learning through movement and curricular integration through dance, asserting that dance education…