Discusses why early childhood educators should abandon their use of teacher-oriented decorative items: (1) such items evoke stereotypes with nostalgic appeal; (2) the decorations can undermine professional image; (3) the items communicate a message of subservience; (4) the items commercialize teaching rather than elevate the profession's status;…

Argues against using cute ideas for busywork in early childhood classrooms. Asserts that cute activities insult children's intellects, mistake doing with learning, often miseducate, undermine professionalism, and frequently undermine educational equity. Posits that cute ideas interfere with communication between adults and children, between…

Identifies myths about the poor, such as attributing poverty to the breakdown of family, and responds to them with arguments from Richard Weissbourd's book "The Vulnerable Child: What Really Hurts America's Children and What We Can Do About It." Argues for using professional material like Weissbourd's book to better articulate and…

Discusses the qualifications for early childhood teachers. Considers personal qualities and subject matter competence, and identifies myths concerning who can become an outstanding teacher of young children. Maintains that the prime directive for any teacher is to model, facilitate, and further learning in every student without doing harm to any…

Contrasts the "fictions of teamwork" existing in educational settings with the characteristics of true colleagueship, focusing on how gender socialization encourages women educators in early childhood settings to remain silent. Addresses ethical responsibilities, perspectives on conflict and criticism, view of excellence, responses to…

Describes an encounter with children in an at-risk preschool program. Concludes from this experience that one of the most significant lessons children begin to learn at this early age is about their potential as human beings. Suggests that in this context, early childhood educators have a responsibility to encourage the full development of all…

Using a story of horse training versus horse breaking and referring to Monty Roberts (the "horse whisperer"), this editorial draws three lessons: (1) resist the temptation to act out of fear and mistrust toward children; (2) focus on relationship building, allying with children rather than controlling them; and (3) recognize and admire those who…

Examines the campaign to convince educators to use direct instruction programs such as DISTAR. Maintains that, although direct instruction is appropriate for low-level tasks and in desperate circumstances, direct instruction programs such as DISTAR deprofessionalize what early-childhood teachers do because it ignores their specialized training,…

States that early-childhood educators must overcome negative experiences and feelings of inadequacy in the arts. Explores barriers that teachers must resolve to promote enjoyment and enthusiasm in the arts, including succumbing to stereotypes, evaluating children based on personal ability, reducing art to following instructions, focusing on…

Argues against reading instruction that places too much emphasis on the phonics method. Considers misunderstandings related to the phonics method, and presents a case for individualized language instruction that focuses on the child's needs and is based in examples of good reading habits and research on emergent literacy. (JPB)

Highlights experiences of teachers during conferences to illustrate positive characteristics that distinguish teachers from other professionals. Argues that the characteristics of educators that stand out in the minds of service industry employees are a reflection of the collective care and concern that permeate teachers' professional lives.…

Discusses ten ways that technology is being oversold and the implications for educators at all levels. Argues that while technology is considered a useful tool, sales tactics that stir fears of being antiquated and promise instant access to information, group participation, worldwide contacts, and time and money savings are misleading. (JPB)

Observes that the major challenge teachers confront is resisting the urge to be a "know-it-all," to dispense facile answers, to stop the inquiry. Concludes that only after surmounting the fear of being without an answer and after a conscious decision is made to listen thoughtfully can real learning begin. (SD)

What are the attributes of a high-quality early childhood education program worldwide? A group of experienced early childhood educators that represent diverse international backgrounds attempts to respond to this question by examining six dimensions of quality set forth by the Association for Childhood Education International: (1) philosophies and…