Research has indicated a gender disparity in early education environments in terms of student-teacher interaction, fostering of different types of play, varying use of praise and gender-specific messages, and stereotypical messages in literature or play materials. This article outlines areas within a classroom that teachers or child care providers…

Describes children's typical reactions to divorce and practical techniques that teachers and caregivers can use in helping children deal with divorce. The use of bibliotherapy is described as a means to help children. An annotated bibliography of select literature is provided, along with descriptions of developmentally appropriate activities that…

Identified behaviors young children associate with friendship and compared those behaviors to what adults in an enduring friendship recall about beginnings of their friendships. Findings support past research that children's understanding of friendship evolves from concrete, behavioral relationships based on sharing material goods and pleasurable…

Discusses knowledge gained from The Computer Discovery Project in Two Cultures, a series of seminars focused on integrating computers into a constructivist early childhood curriculum. Topics discussed include (1) building a foundation for innovation; (2) representing learning in multiple ways; (3) creating a multimedia vision; and (4)…

Explored caregivers' perceptions concerning inclusion of infants and toddlers with special needs, as well as their actual behaviors toward these children. Findings indicated that while individual differences in infant behavior may affect caregiving need more than differences specific to a particular risk condition, caregivers' perceptions about…

Raises some issues about long-term sustainable futures for young children, explores the links between early childhood education and environmental education, and proposes some ways to strengthen these links. Proposes the rethinking of outdoor play to promote the idea of stewardship, advocating for green spaces, "greening" preservice teacher…

Reviews and discusses the basic dimensions of Bowlby's theory of infant attachment. Provides an overview of the basic definitions and propositions of his theory, in addition to the clinical applications of his theory to the field of early education and intervention with at-risk children and their families. (EV)

Examined through focus groups the feelings and reflections of Head Start parents regarding their initial experiences with the Reggio Emilia approach in their children's classrooms. Findings indicated that (1) parents did not feel comfortable in their knowledge of the Reggio Emilia approach; (2) although parents generally supported the approach,…

Discusses ten ways that technology is being oversold and the implications for educators at all levels. Argues that while technology is considered a useful tool, sales tactics that stir fears of being antiquated and promise instant access to information, group participation, worldwide contacts, and time and money savings are misleading. (JPB)

Discusses the effect early-childhood educators have on children's identity development--their stories of themselves. Examines children's abilities to produce narratives, and considers the role of nonverbal expression in the making of children's identities. Notes the social context of these stories. (JPB)

Toy-lending libraries provide parents and professionals with opportunities for shared play and the loan of toys. This article reviews the history of toy-lending libraries and the purpose of Lekoteks, the Swedish toy library. Guidelines and suggestions for developing and maintaining a toy-lending library are discussed. (JPB)

Factors that affect the way children play at home and at school were investigated using a parental survey and discussions with students. Subsequently, a plan to reduce violent play was implemented in a kindergarten classroom. Evaluation findings showed a slight decline in children's aggressive play. (JPB)

Discusses the role early-childhood professionals can play in helping divorced fathers be more involved in the lives of their children. Strategies include involving fathers in school and classroom activities and serving as child-care consultants. Benefits for children, such as improved emotional health and educational experiences, are discussed.…

Discusses the use of developmentally appropriate religion-based literature in early-childhood education to address children's inquiries about God and religion. Suggests that these literature experiences can extend children's knowledge base, cultivate their critical-thinking skills, and develop their tolerance for religion-based differences.…

Presents a list of educational computer software rated developmentally appropriate and without social bias for young children in two age groups: 3-7 and 8-12 years old. Presents overviews of the best software in each category, and includes contact numbers and World Wide Web addresses for the publishers. (JPB)