Summarizes five documents and four articles in the ERIC database that examine parents' involvement in their children's education. Topics include strategies for better parenting, school readiness, increasing parent involvement, and parent education programs. (MDM)

Maintains that preservice education courses (or "methods" courses) need to provide teacher candidates with opportunities to use their own stories and experiences in a naturalistic or "researching" approach to teaching young children. This approach will help preservice teachers learn how children use their past experiences (their stories) to make…

Describes the investigation of the effects of a four-step model program used with third through fifth grade students to implement Gardener's concepts of seven human intelligences--linguistic, logical/mathematical, visual/spatial, musical, kinesthetic, intrapersonal, and interpersonal intelligence--into daily learning. (BB)

Describes a play-based procedure for assessing young children's knowledge of the functions of writing. A case study highlights this discussion. (BB)

Discusses the development, implementation and implications of the Parent Assisted Reading Program at the Sunrise School in northern Utah which serves half-day kindergarten children. This program was designed to increase volunteer participation by parents in early (storybook) reading activities in the schools. (BB)

Maintains that reading humorous storybooks to toddlers can support their development and learning. A bibliography of humorous children's books is included. (BB)

Examines children's multicultural literature, particularly books depicting Asian and Native Americans. Discusses publishing status, educational values, methods of sharing multicultural titles with young children, and specific strategies to avoid. Provides evaluative criteria to consider in selecting materials. Includes an annotated list of…

Presents conflicting views of New Zealand's schooling from teachers' perspectives and examines some of the reforms and reflections of New Zealand's educators. Discusses some of the implications for U.S. schooling. (BB)

Maintains that adults--particularly parents and teachers--need to create a networking system to examine and question the impact of children's television programing on children in an effort to make the television environment safe for young viewers. (BB)

Discusses a series of steps and strategies that teachers can use to work with and help "troubled" children. (BB)

Discusses how parents can discipline their children successfully. Distinguishes between punishment, permissiveness, and discipline. Provides parents with guidelines on positive steps in disciplining their children with practices that are appropriate to the child's age and developmental level, especially infants, toddlers, and preschool children.…

Presents a biographical account of the educator, Amy M. Hostler: this account includes a discussion of her early years; her education and training as a teacher; her work in early childhood education; professional achievement--including the establishment kindergartens in Puerto Rico; tenure at Mills College; and international contributions. (BB)

Although multiage grouping is part of a greater approach to change in education, classroom problems can result when the approach's rationale is not understood. Three precepts of vertical grouping concern heterogeneity of student groups, individualized materials and activities, and a caring learning community. Factors influencing successful…

The influx of children prenatally exposed to drugs represents a heightened challenge to early childhood education programs. Efforts are needed for establishing developmentally appropriate practices, administrative supports, access to special education services, and personnel preparation programs. Guidelines and suggestions relating to these…

This article discusses incidental references to alcohol and drinking in selected children's books and the appropriateness of these references. Books that afford a comprehensive view of alcohol and its effects are discussed, and suggestions for teachers concerning the use of such books are offered. Two book lists are provided. (LB)