Noting that science, mathematics, and technology are the cornerstones of the schools of the future, discusses the criteria for evaluation of science, mathematics, and technology curricula, including learning environment, curriculum design, learning activities, and parent participation. Also provides strategies on how to improve and extend science…

Discusses the attachment principles in relation to infant/toddler care programs. Emphasizes a secure base for exploration of physical and social worlds, physical comfort, and child-teacher relationships. Concludes by describing the five major benefits of attention to attachment concepts for the infant care field in general. (MOK)

Notes that mental health is important to children as well as early childhood educators. Suggests the use of child psychoanalysts as demonstrated by the Houston-Galveston Psychoanalytic Institute. Describes the implementation of such programs to assist directors and teachers. Provides a list of American Psychoanalytic Association affiliate…

Describes Erikson's theory of developmentally appropriate curriculum and the eight stages of the life cycle. Provides brief descriptions of these stages and some possible professional applications that early childhood educators can use in pursuing professional development. (MOK)

Supports expanding children's understanding of gender roles through children's literature. Describes the understanding of gender at different ages and developmental levels. Suggests the development of a classroom library collection that reflects a variety of gender roles and recommends titles for children of different age groups. Encourages…

Provides information on child abuse and how early childhood educators can help parents and their children in overcoming the trauma. Recommends two children's books on child abuse and provides a list of useful resources. (MOK)

States the importance of effective outreach programs. Describes components of outreach that are important to the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). Discusses monitoring implementation of outreach at NAEYC and issues such as multiculturalism and vocal extremism. (MOK)

Describes linguistically and culturally diverse children who speak languages other than English, and the special challenges they present early-care and education specialists. The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) suggests educators can best help such children by acknowledging and responding to the importance of the…

Contains questions raised about the National Association for the Education of Young Children's position paper on linguistic and cultural diversity, and answers prepared by the association's staff liaison to the Multicultural/Bilingual Panel. (ET)

Discusses whether developmental delays can be the unintended consequence of developmentally inappropriate preschool teacher and staff practices. Describes the interplay between language and knowledge in early childhood. Includes a table that specifies the child's ability to take in information from language input through five developmental stages…

Focuses on how teachers can help young children become better listeners. Shows how building listening skills is dependent upon a positive classroom communication environment. Gives specific goals and activities for the classroom, and for parent involvement and practice at home. Teacher listening behavior, as well as child listening behavior, is…

Describes one teacher's innovative use of student journals to build lasting communication ties among student, home, and school. Through the journals, the teacher came to appreciate the students more, and, similarly, parents and other family members became more understanding of, and involved in, the students' classroom and learning experiences. (ET)

Discusses the developmental aspects of the relationship between speech and print and examines the debate as to whether first-grade students acquire phonemic awareness by reading and writing the language or whether that awareness is best arrived at by direct teaching of phonics. Presents case study of one first grader's literacy development. (ET)

An account of one first grader's growth in writing and how his steady progress toward competence changed the way his teacher evaluated all children's writing growth. Chronicles the teacher's developing professional growth as she learned to look for the things mastered instead of the things still not understood. (ET)

Reviews strategies and techniques to enhance prosocial development. Suggests ways for involving whole classrooms, entire school systems, parents, and communities in creating classroom and home climates for prosocial expectations and learner support. Gives specific activities, strategies, guidelines, and resources. (ET)