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…

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…

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)

Notes that how teachers actually utilize the computers and software provided for their classrooms may determine how much the students benefit from their classroom computer experiences. Presents specific concrete activities teachers can employ to reinforce software being used in class. (ET)

Provides a rationale for parent involvement in children's schooling. Considers the nation's education goals, and why parent involvement is so important to achieving those goals. (ET)

Notes the prevalence of violence in schools and discusses approaches to reducing violent behavior. Presents the strategy of using children's literature as part of a comprehensive program planned and implemented by the school in collaboration with the local community to create caring and peaceful early childhood classrooms. Includes an annotated…

Although many teachers acknowledge that language and culture are critical components of children's development, actually incorporating materials representative of children's cultures remains a problem. This article explains how the dramatic play center is a natural place to promote multicultural awareness in the classroom and offers suggestions…

Discusses the role early-childhood professionals can play in helping divorced fathers be more involved in the lives of their children. Strategies include involving fathers in school and classroom activities and serving as child-care consultants. Benefits for children, such as improved emotional health and educational experiences, are discussed.…