Argues that stimulating lifelong learning in primary school demands the simultaneous teaching of solid basic general knowledge which is systematically integrated into the acquisition of specific factual knowledge. Reviews research on the promotion of interests and learning strategies at this young age. (Author/JPB)

Discusses a theory of interpretive reproduction--the importance of children's reproduction of and participation in their own peer cultures for their evolving membership in society. Describes themes of communal sharing and control in children's peer cultures, presenting examples of peer routines and activities. Considers the importance of…

Argues that the concept of quality is permeated by values and socially constructed to embody a modernist belief in the possibility of definitive and universal criteria that will offer certainty and order. Outlines other choices for evaluating early childhood services and their pedagogical work. (JPB)

Argues against reading instruction that places too much emphasis on the phonics method. Considers misunderstandings related to the phonics method, and presents a case for individualized language instruction that focuses on the child's needs and is based in examples of good reading habits and research on emergent literacy. (JPB)

Addresses the needs of preschool children whose biological parents come from two or more traditional racial/ethnic groups. Advocates the extension of multiracial curriculum in early childhood programs to support and embrace these multiracial and multiethnic children. Recommends staff training, providing new classroom materials, working closely…

Explores a method of developing kindergarten children's written stories through journal writing, specifically written interactions or dialogs between child and teacher in response to journal entries. Notes how journals and written conversation encourage process writing, helping children produce stories with a sense of meaning. Offers suggestions…

Discusses use of nonfiction as a means of teaching preschool children reading skills required in intermediate grades. Identifies recent trends in nonfiction books, values of bringing together young children, and informational books and criteria for selecting high quality informational books. Includes bibliography of nonfiction children's books.…

Details 40 music programs in Australia that serve children from birth to 5 years, including aims, methodologies, equipment and materials, and assessment procedures of each program. Encourages providers to critically reflect on the quality of the music education they provide and how well it builds on children's natural positive relationship with…

Using a systematic storytelling procedure termed critical incident recording, a teacher-as-researcher model was implemented with staff in early childhood centers that include children with disabilities. The approach encourages teachers to conduct a critical analysis of children's performance and of environmental variables that contribute to…

Examines research findings on the resilience of infants and toddlers raised in poverty and stress. Describes the personal and environmental resilience characteristics of infancy and toddlerhood that are related to later resilience in middle childhood and adulthood. Highlights research findings significant for policymakers and caregivers, offering…

Discusses the changing roles of early childhood educators to include collaborations with parents and families. Considers factors affecting this change in educational practice. Examines new tasks and roles for educators, and offers suggestions to early childhood educators for adapting to collaborative roles when preparation programs are not…

Offers suggestions to early childhood educators for encouraging fathers' participation in their children's early education and care. Reviews the history of fathers' participation in care and their role in children's development throughout Erikson's first five stages of growth. Considers reasons for involving fathers in children's growth, including…

Using a story of horse training versus horse breaking and referring to Monty Roberts (the "horse whisperer"), this editorial draws three lessons: (1) resist the temptation to act out of fear and mistrust toward children; (2) focus on relationship building, allying with children rather than controlling them; and (3) recognize and admire those who…

Three families with at-risk children were taught lap-reading techniques and provided with books for lap reading over a 12- to 16-week period. The resulting changes in children's behavior included choosing books and reading as free-time activities, developing positive attitudes toward books, and persisting in attending to books in the face of other…

Asserts that cross-cultural experiences highlight some ways attitudes about early childhood, parenting, and teaching are influenced by cultural expectations. Uses examples from China--of residential programs for young children, the nature of classroom interactions, and arts teaching--to comment on broader issues of cultural pluralism and help…