Asserts that cultural celebrations and their symbols are one way teachers can enhance children's appreciation of diversity and develop mathematics literacy. Presents ideas for integrating learning around the theme of the new year, offering activities for such cultures as China, Japan, Morocco, and Africa, as well as cultural mathematics activities…

Discusses how groups that include early childhood educators can create dynamic support services to combat homelessness. Covers causes of homelessness and the needs of homeless families and their young children, and presents several strategies to develop effective services for them. Emphasizes parental involvement, school and community…

Summarizes presentations given at a recent White House Conference which showed that early experiences, particularly in the first three years of life, have a dramatic impact on brain development. Includes presentations on such topics as parent education, brain functioning, quality caregiving and child care services, and early intervention programs.…

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,…

Argues that observations of how children construct literacy and their responses to print-filled environments will help child care providers and families be better prepared to support children's emergent literacy. Provides advice on literacy development, supporting emergent literacy, developing positive attitudes toward reading, and developing…

Describes the Keypal Project, a project in which e-mail was introduced in two kindergarten classes with the intent to enrich children's literacy and communication skills and foster long-distance relationships. Found the project had great learning potential and was easily incorporated into constructivist programs which emphasize active learning.…

Argues involving young children in food preparation activities enhances traditional curriculum areas of language arts, math, science, and social skills. Encourages utilization of children's literature as sources replete with references to food and teaching ideas on food via literary tie-ins. Provides specific recipes which relate to Mother Goose…

Provides an account of a kindergarten teacher's stumbling blocks in implementing an integrated thematic curriculum. Describes how the teacher met school system requirements and engaged children in an exciting and integrated learning experience by utilizing a mock campaign to elect a class pet while focusing on campaign and election processes.…

Describes a program for a project approach in inclusive classrooms which balances the needs of children with and without developmental delays and provides effective and efficient learning. Provides guidance in choosing the project topic, introducing ideas, implementing project activities, completing the project, and evaluating the experience. (SD)

Examines children's developmental needs with regard to outdoor play areas, the types of equipment needed to encourage all kinds of play, and the advantages and disadvantages of homemade and commercial playground equipment and various playground materials. Discusses the role of safety standards, outlines requirements of the Americans with…

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…

Describes the partnership between city government, higher education, and the business community in developing the Birmingham (Alabama) Early Learning Center, a child care program for infants and young children. Outlines the missions of the Early Learning Center, including offering high-quality care, providing a teacher education facility,…

Describes how educators and families can foster children's sense of responsibility. Activities noted include interactions that support responsibility, such as asking questions that enable children to see some responsible choices; strategies that encourage learning, such as offering challenging, engaging learning opportunities in an interactive…

Advocates public policy education in higher education and student involvement in state public policy. Discusses ways to incorporate public policy education in university courses in family and consumer sciences curricula at the introductory, advanced, and graduate levels, including writing briefing reports, participating in professional…