This article explores how children can learn about environmental sciences through place-based education and children's literature. Recent studies suggest that there is a lack of environmental science knowledge among citizens of all ages. Scholars and educators recommend introducing young children to the places in which they live to create an…

Effective use of informational texts in early elementary grade classrooms can extend and expand children's knowledge of the world and provide critical skills necessary for success in the information age. This article suggests several research-based instructional activities that will enhance children's ability to use and comprehend informational…

Defines creativity as the process of being original, spontaneous, and/or unique, using prior knowledge and available information to think or act in a new way. Creativity can be fostered by acceptance and encouragement, by an atmosphere of trust, and by selection of classroom activities and materials. Children need uninterrupted work time for…

Suggests that children involved in the process of creating games from other cultures gain an increased interest in learning about other cultures and increased cognitive, social, and interpersonal skills. Notes that stressing commonalities by making games rather than focusing on differences fosters sensitivity and a greater understanding of others.…

Argues that computers in early childhood classrooms serve to raise young children's self-esteem, self-concept, and place in the classroom community. Provides examples of specific computer exercises including storytelling, journals, autobiographies, classroom data collection and recording, and classroom activities. Notes that these computer…

Notes that, increasingly, young children with visual impairments are educated in community settings with nondisabled peers. Suggests information for the child care and preschool teacher to facilitate the development of children with visual impairments within inclusive settings. Specific suggestions are provided for addressing environmental…

Examines the strategy of using moral dilemmas and role-play to increase empathy in the elementary classroom. Addresses specific aspects of: (1) formal and informal observations; (2) informal interviews; (3) appropriate stories; (4) presentation methods; (5) large and small group discussions; and (6) closing techniques such as creative writing…

Describes a curriculum flow developed around Vincent Van Gogh's "The Starry Night," created to strengthen the connections between the arts and early childhood curricula, especially in the area of literacy. Addresses: (1) preparing prior to a workshop; (2) selecting a work of art; and (3) selecting and reading children's literature.…

Describes picture books that contain environmental print (print found in the natural environment of a child, such as logos, billboards, and road signs) and how they can be used in the classroom. Includes "ABC Drive!" by Naomi Howland (1994), "The Signmaker's Assistant" by Tedd Arnold (1992), and four others. Also provides a…

Discusses results of a survey of preschool teachers, children, and their parents about young children's understanding of parents' employment. Reveals that many children don't know what their parents do at work despite teacher and parent belief in the importance of this knowledge. Offers suggestions on classroom projects and children's books…

Describes the benefits of including music in early childhood education programs, including teaching children about sounds, the elements of music, and cultural diversity. Provides a list of folk songs suitable for early childhood classrooms to support teachers' use of singing and moving. (EV)

Reviews the benefits and discusses the limitations of the traditional approach to show and tell, such as teacher-dictated schedules, limited interactive communication, problems with children's listening skills and item selection, and its teacher-directed nature. Presents an alternative approach based on appropriate practice--sharing centers--and…

Offers a Tangram Teaching Guide that provides a five-step developmental sequence for teaching tangramming to young children. Includes teaching resources and a checklist summarizing the teaching sequence. Asserts that tangram experiences help children develop positive attitudes toward geometry, further their shape identification and classification…

Examines types of life changes that young children may experience and suggests developmentally appropriate curricular strategies teachers can implement to help children cope more effectively. Promotes teacher-parent partnerships and includes list of readings for both. (ET)

Provides simple suggestions for educators to create problem-solving situations for children of all ages, even the very young. Emphasizes developing daily activities that build and reinforce these skills. (ET)