Discusses some of the theoretical and practical issues concerning initial writing instruction in kindergarten and first grade. (BB)

Describes procedures found to be effective for eliciting children's creative dramatic play in the classroom. A second-grade classroom scenario provides an example of the way key components of play training techniques can be implemented by the teacher and indicates the decision-making processes to be addressed.

Addresses issues concerning (computer) keyboarding instruction in an attempt to determine if the teaching of such skills to kindergarten and primary grade students should be considered a "must" in the early childhood curriculum or if such practices might have some drawbacks. (BB)

Reports impressions about the current context of education for children in the Yukon as well as some unusual aspects of teaching in this harsh northern climate. Problems of evaluating education in the Yukon are briefly indicated. (Author/RH)

Notes the differences between kindergarten and first grade in terms of children's learning styles and curriculum. Points out that play can be useful in kindergarten and also first-grade classrooms. Suggests the use of child-initiated learning centers to provide age-appropriate and individually appropriate activities. Gives examples of…

Presents an account of the project approach used by American first graders to study Japan. (BB)

Maintains that full-day kindergarten programs can derive at least part of their curriculum from the diverse gifts of social and cultural knowledge that children bring to the classroom. Includes a description of a kindergarten class that explored the topic of grandparents. (BB)

Describes the assumptions and principles of emergent literacy and establishes the need to reconceptualize kindergarten practice in the area of literacy education. Conclusions drawn from a series of studies of current kindergarten practice in a large midwestern state are considered. (BB)

Reviews research on handwriting instruction that focuses on these questions: (1) Do learners need particular writing instruments and paper? (2) Should educators encourage students to trace or copy? and (3) How can educators evaluate learners' writing? Offers implications and suggestions for handwriting instruction. (BB)

Describes a discourse created by second graders who were deliberating about important social issues in the course of discussing a story. (BB)

Discusses topics that are especially appropriate for investigation by young learners and describes activities that stimulate children's curiosity. Suggestions about ways to focus children's attention on mathematical aspects of the activities are offered. (BB)

Summarizes recent ERIC documents on interpersonal competence among preschool and kindergarten children. (BB)

Describes ways in which the inclusion of literacy materials in kindergarten classroom dramatic play centers encourages young children to incorporate literacy activities into their play. (BB)

Maintains that, for each child, an initial contact with a poem through a sensitive and skillful teacher can be an individual dialogue with thought and feeling, reforming and deepening with time. Examples of poems are used to illustrate this point. (BB)

Helps elementary educators understand and promote social interactions and social competence in inclusive settings, specifically those that include students with learning disabilities and mild to moderate levels of mental retardation. Focuses on social outcomes of inclusion, teacher's attitudes, theoretical perspectives, and areas of social…