Examines the role of playgrounds that use discarded items or "junk" as an integral part of kindergarten classes in an Israeli kibbutz. Suggests that play in the junkyard, by including the whole person--muscles and senses, emotion and intellect, individual growth and social interaction--can offer the experiential foundations on which children can…

Discusses a project that examined literacy development within the context of play in two Reykjavik preschool classrooms. Suggests that preschool teachers should enrich dramatic play with literacy props and print materials. Indicates that incorporating print materials in dramatic play provides a natural extension of children's preschool work and…

Discusses research on homosexuality, including origins and physiology. Claims that teachers play an important role in developing and maintaining the classroom as a psychologically safe and appreciative environment. Provides suggestions on how teachers should handle biases. Concludes that by treating all children with respect and dignity, teachers…

Claims that parents and teachers should reinforce students to persist until they master a challenging task. Compares children in America and Asia in terms of perseverance. Provides suggestions to parents on motivating their children to achieve goals. Concludes that it is important to explain to the child a task's difficult aspects, brainstorm new…

Introduces recent ERIC documents on the effects of child care on children's development. Provides citations on eight books and four journal articles with abstracts and ordering information. (MOK)

Provides a definition of dyslexia and characteristics of students who have this condition. Claims that when teaching dyslexic students, teachers may need to change the academic environment to enable students to demonstrate what they know. Provides suggestions to teachers on how the needs of dyslexic students can be met in the regular classroom.…

Discusses the importance of using developmentally appropriate practices in early childhood classrooms, especially in teaching gifted students. Describes characteristics of young gifted children, emphasizing their advanced abilities in specific domains. Concludes that educators need to understand each child as a unique individual and should strive…

Notes the differences between kindergarten and first grade in terms of children's learning styles and curriculum. Points out that play can be useful in kindergarten and also first-grade classrooms. Suggests the use of child-initiated learning centers to provide age-appropriate and individually appropriate activities. Gives examples of…

Introduces the "Pet and Me" project, a thematic unit that explores the relationships among humans, other animals, and nature. Provides the definition of thematic units by focusing on three levels of thinking: facts and information, topics, and themes. Concludes that the thematic unit is applicable to other areas of curriculum. (MOK)

Supports the return of folktales to school curriculum. Provides a list of suggested activities as well as a dozen popular national and international folktale books for use in the middle grades. Claims that folktales can be used to master content-rich material in the middle grades and allow students to explore relationships with their own culture…

Discusses the principles of teaching that can help students to be actively, purposefully engaged in their learning. Describes current innovations in reading, language arts, and mathematics education. Introduces the constructivist principles and teaching practices that can facilitate implementation of current instruction innovations. (MOK)

Notes the existence of gender bias in early childhood education. Provides a list of "Do's" and "Don'ts" for teachers and administrators to eliminate bias. Claims that by reviewing this list and supporting information, teachers can become more knowledgeable about hidden bias and learn how to change their behavior to provide the best education for…

Examines factors contributing to changes in childhood. Care and supervision of children has declined, with survival skills substituting for protection, early concern with emotional issues, and premature sexual initiation. Parents rationalize abandoning authority as increasing children's independence. They deprive children of childhood,…

Discusses how family vacations provide problem-solving opportunities. Describes 10 resources on traveling with children that include first-hand travel accounts and recommendations for traveling with children; information guides for older children; travel-related sticker books for younger children; tourism department materials; children's travel…

Summarizes 17 recent ERIC documents and journal articles discussing Piagetian perspectives on children's cognitive abilities and development. Includes sources on children's thought, learning, and problem-solving processes; physical and natural causality; correspondence and number conservation; circular reactions; the 5- to 7-year shift; science…