Teaching is hard. It's the most rewarding, fulfilling job in the world, but it's also frustrating, infuriating, and really, really hard. In this article, the author reflects on the importance of free play in early childhood classrooms. If teachers want to create happy children who love learning, forcing them to sit at desks or tables through early…

Since 1981, the amount of time children spend with each other or alone without adult supervision has declined, especially in the area of outdoor free play. Free time for children has declined 16% between 1981 and 1997. A number of researchers have examined societal changes over the last century, especially from the mid-1970s to today. According to…

In this article, the author observes how a combination of interrelated elements are currently changing the face of the civilizing traditions of the U.S. education and forming a new culture of childhood. These include: (1) the standardization of education; (2) the dissolution of traditional spontaneous play; and (3) the growing specter of poverty…

Discusses major issues related to youth sport including definition of terms, development of motor skills, and relationship of physical activity to other aspects of development and to sex roles. Practical suggestions for the classroom teacher are presented to help them prepare children for an active and healthy life. (AS)

Position paper argues in favor of developmentally appropriate kindergarten programs. Paper examines program goals and content, and provides suggestions about learning environment, curriculum, and staff. Includes statements concerning purpose of kindergarten, importance of play in learning, and need for program support. (PCB)

Analyzes the impact that play has on science and mathematics learning for preschool and elementary school children. Examples are given of learning opportunities in science and mathematics available through children's play. Also considers the attitudes developed through play--curiosity, divergent thinking and motivation--essential to learning in…

Describes the characteristics of play and its contributions to development, and proposes fundamental principles and practices for its encouragement. Delineates the necessity of play and affirms its centrality in the lives of all children. Stresses both teacher and parental roles in providing a safe and calalytic play environment. (Author/RWB)

Maintains that infants two years of age and younger do direct social behavior toward one another. Adults play an important role in young children's social development. Developing strategies and planning peer experiences for infants become a teacher's responsibility. Recognizing differential influence of varying toys may be useful for such…

Suggests effective strategies from early childhood education to use in teaching young handicapped children. Teachers could include group activities fostering peer interaction; provide opportunities for free play; practice being less directive and more interactive; and recognize the benefits of a less teacher-controlled classroom environment. (BB)

Discusses the value of tool-use activities to help toddlers develop emerging skills, experience creative expression, and understand means-end relationships. Provides examples of opportunities for using objects as tools, including language acquisition, self-help activities, dramatic play, sensory experiences, and object manipulation. (DST)

Describes children's play materials in one rural village in Senegal and illustrates the children's free play. (CI)

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Highlights the 1982 International Colloquy of the World Organization for Early Childhood Education, which was entitled "The Right to Be a Child." Children's basic needs were seen as the rights to food, to play, and to peace. (RH)