Despite convincing research and strong public support, education budget cuts have forced schools and districts to limit or even eliminate arts instruction. Author Robin Ward argues that educators need to address the critical need to preserve and, in those cases, re-integrate the arts back into the school curriculum--mostly because the arts are…

The conversation about young children and their use of technology has dramatically changed over the past ten years in the early childhood education community and in the general public. It appears the debate has moved forward from the question posed by Vail (2001) in her article titled, "How Young Is Too Young? When It Comes to Computer Use,…

While the idea of using a dog in the classroom at first seems unorthodox, the history of using animals in therapeutic settings is extensive. The first documented use of animals in a therapeutic setting was in a mental institution in England in 1792 (Levinson, 1969). In North America, dogs were first used in therapy in 1919 at St. Elizabeth's…

Childhood overweight and obesity are major problems in the United States, with important consequences for our nation's health and economy. Breakfast is considered the most important meal of the day, yet children, adolescents, and adults skip breakfast on a routine basis. This habit of breakfast skipping is related to weight gain, higher body…

What are the characteristics of programs that have the greatest likelihood of success in promoting the development of very young children at risk? This brief review of research offers insights for policy makers and early childhood educators alike. The United States is fortunate to have well-designed early educational intervention programs that may…

Mrs. Keenan, a preschool teacher, observed her 3-year-old granddaughter Riley pull, tug, and stack piles of holiday boxes on the floor. She remembered that her child care director had suggested using boxes as a curriculum theme, but she hadn't given much thought about the idea until now. She said to herself, "I wonder if my children would be as…

Through the years, educational systems in the United States have experienced great change. The one-room schoolhouse is now uncommon, but in years past it was the norm. Changes in society have brought about demands for early care and education systems that were not needed or provided as recently as 100 or even 20 years ago. Families today need and…

Explores the visual arts as a means to develop skills and abilities across the curriculum and nurture aesthetic development. Considers benefits of art for socioemotional, psychomotor, and cognitive development; integration of art into the curriculum; and the role of adults, children's books, and the classroom for encouraging art appreciation.…

Describes a bilingual prekindergarten teacher's approach to oral language development with children who are Spanish-language dominant, considering the links between her approach and constructivist learning theory. Describes how children in the classroom interact socially with adults and peers to develop oral language skills. (JPB)

Describes the Kindergarten Transition Project at the National Center for Early Development and Learning, a school-based program designed to enhance connections among children, teachers, families and peers during kindergarten transition. Discusses program activities intended to increase familiarity with elementary school, provide consistent…

Describes the block play of two preschoolers as they recreate their visit to their state capital. Presents the teacher's observations of the skills displayed in their play and the letter to parents explaining what children learn from block play. (KB)

Describes insights and skills of a Head Start supervisor in rural Appalachia who mentors for a home-based family-education program. Discusses the three roles of mentor: administrator, teacher, and advocate. Suggests that mentors should provide an orientation to teaching and work to build relationships between family educators and families. (LBT)

An 11-week kindergarten observation determined students' concerns about dismissal routines and devised alternatives. Children's concerns focused on the school bus, restroom, materials (homework and missing personal items), and saying good-bye. An alternative routine includes nurturing children's independence; refining the curriculum, adjusting…

Describes a project designed to enhance the development of preschool children's aesthetic awareness. Explores how the project presented strategies and materials that can be readily incorporated into the curriculum for any group of young children. Strategies included focusing children's observations; making art happen; and expanding artistic…

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…