Discusses issues related to working with young children with autism for elementary school teachers. Describes characteristics of autism, the need for early intervention, and the general principles for effective practices with autistic students, and classroom adaptations. Includes a list of organizations concerned with autism. (JPB)

Explores connections between mathematics, music, and movement in early childhood curriculum. Presents music activities in which mathematical concepts are embedded; focuses on activities providing experiences with time-based relationships and rhythmic patterns. Asserts that integrating movement and mathematics into music activities provides a way…

Provides information on how teachers in the early childhood setting can encourage fathers to participate in their children's school experiences. Discusses models for fathers, the place of work in the traditional father role, and helping children with absent fathers. Suggests ways to teach positive parenting skills to fathers, including praising…

Discusses three ways for kindergarten teachers to respect the process and products of art activities in their curriculum: using artwork as material for instruction, play, and creative display. Considers how these uses enrich the child's experience of the early childhood environment and curriculum. (JPB)

Identifies some strategies for supporting young girls in their use of computer technology through appropriate role modeling, thoughtful selection of software, and "gender fair" teaching strategies for classroom practice. Outlines some sources of gender bias in the use of computers by young children. (JPB)

Presents questions that will assist early childhood teachers in evaluating their own views and behaviors toward various ethnic groups. Provides resources for teachers to educate themselves, parents, and students. Asserts that teachers can promote more positive attitudes among students and educate children to be respectful and accept the…

Highlights considerations in designing high-quality, developmentally appropriate indoor play environments for all children. Suggestions for arranging classroom space focus on arrangement and accessibility of play areas. Tips for selecting and arranging play materials relate to ensuring diversity of play materials, increasing and maintaining…

Proposes developing systems that allow parents to contribute items to their preschool child's portfolio. Suggests transition portfolios, parent information sheets, weekly newsletters, requested parent observations, sharing table, and take home packets as activities that parents can choose from during the school year. Stresses need for a variety of…

Notes that relationships between parents, administrators, and teachers are essential to quality early childhood education. Examines the role of good communication skills in building positive home-school relationships. Discusses the importance of developing effective listening skills in order to understand parents' needs and concerns, and how the…

Highlights qualitative studies from two preschools that view the framework of literacy use as socially constructed and embedded in social and cultural perspectives and practices of communities. Suggests ways to strengthen early-childhood programs, including greater use of writing and drawing materials readily available, additional orientation to…

Notes that the role of children's play in learning is of primary importance, and discusses the impact of technology on play and as play. Suggests that the opportunity for learning and play in technological environments should be explored to provide young children an educational enhancement and to maintain contact with the popular culture of young…

Describes a model of father-child literacy activities, based on observed activities of 60 fathers involved in Project DADS in New Mexico. The model consists of four approaches to getting fathers involved: early social interaction, reading books, preliteracy activities, and school involvement. (LBT)

Acknowledges that children with special needs flourish and benefit from early-childhood environments that empower learning. Discusses center learning, which allows children to be actively engaged in self-directed learning based on strength, ability, and interest. Suggests that center learning can enhance aspects related to emergent literacy…

Reviews computer software that meets the interests and needs of young children and teaches powerful ideas. The evaluations are based on field tests and the following criteria: age appropriateness, child control, clear instructions, expanding complexity, independence, nonviolence, process orientation; real-world model, technical features, and…

Notes that as more young children with disabilities are included in classrooms for children who are developing typically, practitioners must continue to identify and refine strategies for making inclusion successful. Discusses a successful inclusion program that is observation based and child initiated. Discusses a procedure that facilitates the…