This article explores how children can learn about environmental sciences through place-based education and children's literature. Recent studies suggest that there is a lack of environmental science knowledge among citizens of all ages. Scholars and educators recommend introducing young children to the places in which they live to create an…

Effective use of informational texts in early elementary grade classrooms can extend and expand children's knowledge of the world and provide critical skills necessary for success in the information age. This article suggests several research-based instructional activities that will enhance children's ability to use and comprehend informational…

Examines the strategy of using moral dilemmas and role-play to increase empathy in the elementary classroom. Addresses specific aspects of: (1) formal and informal observations; (2) informal interviews; (3) appropriate stories; (4) presentation methods; (5) large and small group discussions; and (6) closing techniques such as creative writing…

Describes a curriculum flow developed around Vincent Van Gogh's "The Starry Night," created to strengthen the connections between the arts and early childhood curricula, especially in the area of literacy. Addresses: (1) preparing prior to a workshop; (2) selecting a work of art; and (3) selecting and reading children's literature. Presents…

Addresses the health of young children and how to safely and effectively care for children with diarrhea in the home and in early child care settings. Discusses specific intervention and program activities, including specially designed materials for mixing homemade oral rehydration usage. (Author/SD)

Considers theory, standards, guidelines, and rationale for technology in the preschool environment. Examines practices of 12 diverse preschool sites and derives 4 models that enable early learners to engage and experience technology within a developmentally appropriate learning environment. Focuses on technology-infused preschool models for…

Notes the prevalence of violence in schools and discusses approaches to reducing violent behavior. Presents the strategy of using children's literature as part of a comprehensive program planned and implemented by the school in collaboration with the local community to create caring and peaceful early childhood classrooms. Includes an annotated…

Although many teachers acknowledge that language and culture are critical components of children's development, actually incorporating materials representative of children's cultures remains a problem. This article explains how the dramatic play center is a natural place to promote multicultural awareness in the classroom and offers suggestions…

Cooking provides a wealth of multisensory experiences for toddlers and 2-year olds. Carefully planned and developmentally appropriate cooking projects can provide young children the opportunity of experiencing the rewards of cooking such as a sense of accomplishment, joy, and excitement and can boost self-esteem. (Author)

Argues that inclusion of children with disabilities into various preschool settings presents opportunities for early childhood educators to address issues of differences through the use of effective tools and teaching strategies. Suggests that a journal-type portfolio is a tool early-childhood educators can use to enhance the acceptance of…

Discusses the role early-childhood professionals can play in helping divorced fathers be more involved in the lives of their children. Strategies include involving fathers in school and classroom activities and serving as child-care consultants. Benefits for children, such as improved emotional health and educational experiences, are discussed.…

Discusses the use of developmentally appropriate religion-based literature in early-childhood education to address children's inquiries about God and religion. Suggests that these literature experiences can extend children's knowledge base, cultivate their critical-thinking skills, and develop their tolerance for religion-based differences.…

Describes the benefits of including music in early childhood education programs, including teaching children about sounds, the elements of music, and cultural diversity. Provides a list of folk songs suitable for early childhood classrooms to support teachers' use of singing and moving. (EV)

Reviews the benefits and discusses the limitations of the traditional approach to show and tell, such as teacher-dictated schedules, limited interactive communication, problems with children's listening skills and item selection, and its teacher-directed nature. Presents an alternative approach based on appropriate practice--sharing centers--and…

Offers a Tangram Teaching Guide that provides a five-step developmental sequence for teaching tangramming to young children. Includes teaching resources and a checklist summarizing the teaching sequence. Asserts that tangram experiences help children develop positive attitudes toward geometry, further their shape identification and classification…