Describes experiences of children in two public preschools in Russia, one a typical district preschool, the other, an experimental preschool. Presents case studies for each school, focusing on family, setting, teacher characteristics, and child behaviors and public policy. Notes the effect of tradition, beliefs, and policies on the preschool…

Describes the rule structure within which 3- to 5-year-olds operate as they develop social pretend skills. Identifies implicit and explicit rules supported with narrative excerpts. Explicit rules include having a leader who suggests the plot, asking to play, taking a role in the pretend sequence, and playing fairly. Implicit rules include…

Describes a study exploring the social dynamics within a typical preschool classroom that included a 3-year-old with severe visual impairments. Notes findings that this child was an active participant in shared social experiences with his peers, which contributed to his membership and acceptance. Discusses adult mediation and interpretation of the…

This article provides qualitative description of behaviors that bring children to musical competence by age 5 in Nharira Communal Lands in Zimbabwe. Based on observation of three villages comprised of multiple extended family groups, the narrative focuses on area demographics, the community's people, musical influences, musical interactions of…