Art, drama, music, dance and literature activities are part of the basic components of an early childhood curriculum. They do not rely heavily on oral language or English proficiency, and this makes them accessible to all children regardless of language differences or language abilities. Teachers can use creative expression and art to practice…

Early childhood educators work with children and families from a range of diverse backgrounds. As society becomes increasingly multiracial, multilingual, and multicultural, so too grows the need for educators' abilities to support children's development by instilling in them the tools they need to live together respectfully and stand up to…

Learning materials and teaching methods used in early childhood classrooms have fluctuated greatly over the past century. However, one learning tool has stood the test of time: Wood building blocks, often called unit blocks, continue to be a source of pleasure and learning for young children at play. Wood blocks have the unique capacity to engage…

Presents rationale for using learning centers in early childhood classrooms. Describes teaching strategies to support active learning, including providing open-ended materials, organizing for independence, introducing centers, brainstorming ideas, and extending children's learning. (KB)

Multiage grouping, based on the belief that children benefit from engaging in learning environments that accommodate at least two age groups, allows for marked improvements in children's enthusiasm for learning mathematics. Children are challenged and stimulated by their interactions with multiage peers, and assessment information indicates they…

Urges teachers to be aware of the types of family violence, their prevalence, and the common effects of family violence on young children. Explores indicators of abuse and neglect, factors that protect against family violence, suggestions for creating a nurturing classroom climate, and the role of early childhood professionals in cases of abuse.…

Drawing on the idea that a constructivist classroom is very different from a traditional setting, this article presents a rubric based on current understanding of constructivist theory and education. The rubric is designed as a formative assessment of teachers to stimulate thinking and improve methods related to constructivist teaching. (SD)

Describes how simple changes in pretend-play areas can enable children with disabilities to participate more fully in early-learning experiences. Discusses how play reflects cognitive and social skills. Identifies challenges to supporting inclusive pretend play related to environmental barriers and children's characteristics; presents suggestions…

Describes the popularity of a first grader who is put back into a kindergarten class due to poor reading skills. Notes how the kindergartners consider the new boy a window onto the first grade and marvel at his skills in various classroom activities. Reflects on the lessons learned about the caring, safe environment of the classroom community.…

Examines how young children's everyday group experiences contain important opportunities for adults to model and teach skills and understandings that can lead to a more peaceful world. Presents specific ideas for creating a peaceful atmosphere in the classroom and embedding peace concepts into the early-childhood curriculum, including the use of a…

Offers suggestions for selecting appropriate classroom materials and designing an early-childhood classroom in which children learn through play. Focuses on the decisions a beginning teacher needs to make, such as selecting the curriculum, identifying appropriate learning areas, finding intriguing learning materials, selecting comfortable…

Argues importance of a flexible approach to educating physically and developmentally disabled children, one that allows children to learn and play with attention to age, stages, temperaments, personalities and individual needs. Notes that staff attitudes and willingness to adjust schedules, plans, room arrangement, curriculum, and expectations are…

Argues that children develop--at home, in school, and in the community--a repertoire of attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors that prepare them to become peaceful, cooperative, caring adults. Provides examples of instruction in caring through family life, household activities, classroom curriculum, the classroom environment, instructional techniques,…

High-quality family child care and school-age programs have characteristics to promote positive relationships among families and children that enhance children's development and family functioning, much like the thriving neighborhoods of previous generations. These characteristics include choice and variety, environments emphasizing safety and…

Discusses how daily routines in early childhood and primary grade settings can assist young children's developing understanding of time. Notes adaptable activities, including tracking weather, keeping records, talking about activities, creating time lines, celebrating personal milestones, and recording events and changes. Lists ways to integrate…