This article calls for a revolution among education institutions to make a shift away from the outdated hierarchical models of "teacher" and "student" and toward a culture that embraces the notion of a "co-learning ecosystem." This shift aims to disrupt the long-established power structures within education…

As mindfulness practices become more widely implemented in schools, they are attracting both keen interest and strong criticism. It is important that mindfulness-based programs adhere to sound child development principles, be aligned with the neuroscience of stress, be integrated in a holistic manner by teachers throughout the school day, and…

Millions of children around the world are out of school due to conflict, poverty, lack of education systems and infrastructure, and other issues. Educating children living in difficult contexts is the best way to empower them with the knowledge and competencies to rise to their full potential despite the challenges they face. Dedicated and…

This article addresses a question that is of key importance in preparing early childhood personnel, especially those in inclusive environments: "How do we teach in ways that we want our students to teach?" There is an emphasis on developing a "community of practice" where professionals can share their work-related concerns and…

Many early childhood professionals recommend the use of learning centers in classrooms for young children (Kostelnik, Soderman, & Whiren, 2004). Centers provide children with opportunities for making choices, working with others, being involved in hands-on activities, and becoming fully engaged in learning. In contrast, traditional classroom…

Interviewed university faculty and teachers working with three early-childhood teacher-preparation programs about their experiences regarding roles in teacher preparation. Found that (1) roles in teacher preparation are changing, and changes are difficult but positive; (2) organizational and cultural factors limit meaningful collaboration in…

Details a garden project as an example of how Reggio Emilia-inspired, long-term projects can enhance young children's representational thinking. Includes samples of children's conversations and drawings. Discusses the teacher's role in locating information and documenting the progress. Notes that well-planned, continual, active, concrete…

This discussion of classroom teachers serving as mentors of children draws from the literature on the origin of mentoring, the definition of mentoring, and the current theory on the characteristics and qualities that define an excellent mentor-mentee relationship. Parallels between the study of adult mentoring relationships and the teacher-child…

This article focuses on overweight children and the role that educators (and schools) might play in supporting and reinforcing this unhealthful lifestyle. Included are strategies for promoting more healthful eating and activity habits. The article concludes with a list of resources offering additional help in addressing this growing threat.