Describes how an inquiry-based science project on the life cycle of butterflies provided a developmentally appropriate learning experience in a first and second grade multiage classroom. Maintains that the critical exchange of ideas among students made students' thinking available for inspection, and allowed students to use their talk as a tool…

Describes how child cooperation in an experimental nursery school contributed to the children's experience of learning and mutual, sustained concern that prevailed through frustration, fatigue, or disappointment. Discusses how children's intuition and inventive thought contributed to positive experiences. (KB)

Presents practical suggestions for encouraging empowerment in young children. Describes how a shift in the instructional focus from teaching to empowering can be incorporated throughout the school day. Emphasizes that children's qualities, such as kindness, helpfulness, and flexibility, must be encouraged and noted equally as often as tangible…

Discusses how early childhood teachers can provide a classroom environment that puts into practice theories related to emerging literacy. Describes holistic strategies used in one kindergarten that enhance literacy learning, including shared book experiences, huddle groups, language samples, self-directed learning time, student-developed…

Describes how classroom transition times may be used to augment and complement a literacy program in a primary school classroom. Focuses on singing songs for transition which are added to a reading notebook, reading short engaging picture books which are displayed for later reading, and playing games to introduce a new unit of study or change the…

Discusses how creating a musical climate in early childhood classrooms can give children a way to express feelings and ideas, and can smoothly blend the activities and routines of the classroom day. Provides suggestions for making new songs from old and creating new songs. Includes sample songs. (KB)

Describes the use of experiential learning activities in a first grade classroom composed of learners at several levels, including some with learning disabilities and some with special speech and language needs. Presents learning activities to integrate mathematics with developmentally appropriate process writing, including a birthday graph, dice…

Presents suggestions for teaching chess to young children as part of the problem-solving component of a kindergarten mathematics curriculum. Discusses the introduction of pairs of chess characters, playing challenge games with teachers to enhance skill development, and writing down the rules of the game. Notes that children's problem-solving and…

Presents a developmentally appropriate framework reflecting the constructivist orientation of early childhood education to guide development of IEP goals and objectives for young children with disabilities. Discusses problems teachers encounter with IEPs, including defining skills too narrowly, not considering the time factor, and isolating the…

Details how an unplanned activity involving spinning wool presented a teachable moment for children in a family child care setting. Notes how activities related to farming, spinning wool, and using wool cloth resulted from following the children's lead. Concludes that everyday activities provide opportunities to listen to children, learn about…

Describes the development of a Head Start-public school partnership in Oregon from space sharing and mutually planned activities to coordinating a seamless transition between programs. Focuses on the joint use of the First Steps reading, writing, spelling, and oral language developmental continuums. Concludes that the newly articulated curriculum…

Surveyed programs for young children in six states to identify how they included fathers. Determined barriers to fathers' participation in such programs, including work schedules, sex differences in interactional styles, and power issues. Gleaned suggestions for facilitating fathers' participation in children's programs, including recognizing…

Discusses ways young children, families, and caregivers can work together in toilet learning. Describes signs of child readiness, and ways teachers can be supportive at this stage. Presents a classroom plan to facilitate toileting for 2- and 3- year-olds. Includes tips for parents and for caregivers related to toileting materials, toileting…

Examines recent creative child care financing initiatives at the local and state level. Describes examples of programs promoting quality through direct financial support; expansion of portable assistance programs; and the use of multiple approaches and long-term commitments. Notes that expanded leadership is essential for success. (KB)

Considers the various names applied to the early childhood education field. Discusses the confusion of parents in deciding on a program, and of legislators responding to advocates and considering legislation; maintains that the name confusion may be detrimental for the field. Suggests that a change in nomenclature could alert the public to the…