Well-informed teachers of young children recognize the importance of children's social development. The development of social skills lays a critical foundation for later academic achievement as well as work-related skills. Social development is such a key issue with young children that a number of methods to address social skills have been…

Early encounters with environmental print, words, and other graphic symbols found in children's surroundings are among their first concrete exposures to written language. These experiences: (1) provide an introduction to making meaning of abstract symbols; and (2) offer children their first opportunity to make sense of the world through print. As…

The overarching goal to create life-long learners who are enthusiastic readers requires a two-pronged approach: (1) enhancing dispositions; and (2) simultaneously teaching reading skills. This approach is powerfully portrayed in the children's book, "Thank You, Mr. Falker" (Polacco, 1998). This article explores how teachers of young children can…