Compared the personal/social development of preschoolers in two intergenerational and two non-intergenerational settings. Found that children in intergenerational programs scored higher on the personal/social development scale of the Learning Accomplishment Profile than did children in non-intergenerational settings. (KB)

Argues that shared play experiences are a good way to build mutually beneficial relationships among older and younger generations. Outlines why intergenerational play is important, focusing on its cognitive, social, physical, and emotional benefits for both older adults and young children. Describes toys, materials, and games conducive to positive…

Reviews the literature on contemporary early childhood education, categorizing perspectives on early childhood curriculum according to their core epistemological and ethical views about the mission of institutions of early childhood education. Identifies four perspectives guiding the curricula: idealism, empiricism, developmentalism, and…

Investigated reading and writing skills of socioeconomically deprived first graders in Santiago, Chile. Found that the children had low achievement in reading and writing and at the end of the school year had not acquired sufficient linguistic competence to successfully master these skills. Also found a dissociation between observed practice and…

Investigated perceptions of poverty among 6- and 7-year-olds in Poland, expressed in drawings and discussion, comparing results to those of a United Nations Development Program study of preschoolers' perceptions. The approach showed that new forms of activity, based mainly on early intervention of psychologists, pedagogues, and physicians, are…

Discusses the failure of Australian Commonwealth and State governments to institute the Convention on the Rights of the Child provisions for preschool children with disabilities from non-English speaking backgrounds. Identifies specific needs of these children and presents strategies to improve outcomes for them. (JPB)

Examines an initiative to introduce a multicultural- and whole-language-based early childhood curriculum in a private school in New Delhi, India. Considers the planning of the change from traditional education; the creation of an activity room for free play; parental responses to the new program; and factors that facilitated the change process.…

The relationship between playfulness and creativity was examined among preschoolers in Japan. Statistical data analysis indicated no relationship between playfulness and creativity. Because teachers described some non-playful children as playful because of an internal playfulness that manifested in one-on-one interaction, qualitative data analysis…

Discusses ways to reduce children's fear and discomfort in the learning situation by accommodating the children's interests through cultural themes that represent emotions and anxieties preventing the organization of thought. (JPB)

An adapted version of the Puppet Interview was used to examine the self-concept of 6-year-old kindergartners. Responses showed that the fundamental structures identified by L'Ecuyer (1994) were present except the Self-Nonself. The adaptive self and personal self were central structures. Three substructures (self-image, social attitudes, and…

Used writing samples, informal observations, and formal interviews and observations over 6 weeks to document a 4-year-old's emergent writing process. Found that the subject made the transition from the pre-phonetic to the semi-phonetic writing stages at an early age. Also found that young children's low tolerance level for frustration has…

Used teacher interviews and observations to examine the roles five teachers undertook to promote literacy in a classroom of Spanish-speaking kindergartners. Found that teachers' roles could be identified and described as: monitoring, facilitating, interacting, inquiring about, initiating, extending children's play, engaging children in discussion,…

Reconceptualizes the role of the professional playleader, taking into account the contexts of children's development. Describes the growth of adventure playgrounds and playleadership in Europe. Discusses the responsibilities and attributes of the playleader, focusing on advocating for children's right to play. (KB)

Identifies obstacles faced by young children with special needs when trying to integrate into school. Proposes new strategies to prepare and support personnel involved during transition and inclusion in the school setting. Details group discussion of parents, care center educators, teachers, and administrators that resulted in a transition plan.…

Examines the relationship between early childhood education and primary school academic achievement in the Solomon Islands. Notes factors influencing higher performance in reading comprehension and mathematics skills, and use of age appropriate materials. Offers insights for educators, policy planners, communities, and families. (JPB)