The aim of the research is to determine pre-service preschool teachers' views on creating learning environments in preschool classrooms. Qualitative research methods were used in the research. The study group was composed of 35 pre-service preschool teachers. In this study, a semi-structured interview form was chosen as data collection tool. The…

Examines two preschool programs in the New Orleans area in terms of their arrangement of indoor and outdoor space to implement developmentally appropriate practices. Explains that they can serve as inspiration to other early childhood professionals who struggle to create meaningful experiences for young children in "second-hand" space. (EV)

This guide was developed for North Carolina teachers in early childhood education and focuses on how play-based center activities in kindergarten teach literacy, mathematics, science, social studies, and the arts. Development of the guide was based on educators' experiences and their understanding of how children learn. The guide's introduction…

Presents guidelines for providing suitable play and learning spaces for children from birth to 3 years old. Argues that toddlers have developmental needs different from those of older preschoolers, and that environments must be designed appropriately. Recommends that room arrangements for toddlers provide simplicity, options for seclusion and…

A well-ordered classroom promotes learning, helps build a classroom community, and frees teachers to observe and interact with children in positive ways. This videotape shows how classroom and outdoor environments can convey six positive messages for preschool children: (1) this is a good place to be; (2) you belong here as a valued member of the…

This technical assistance paper examines the importance of planning the physical preschool environment and its impact on the child's total development. The two main aspects of the physical environment which are discussed in detail are creating areas of interest in the classroom, and planning the outdoor environment. Issues explored in creating…

This booklet provides suggestions for reassessing, modifying, and arranging child care center environments to best serve the needs of children and staff. The booklet notes that a well-planned environment can provide young children with appropriate and challenging learning experiences within a consistent and secure setting. Such an environment also…

This booklet, revised from the March 1990 version, provides suggestions for reassessing, modifying, and arranging child care center environments to best serve the needs of children and staff. The booklet notes that a well-planned environment can provide young children with appropriate and challenging learning experiences within a consistent and…

Classroom management has become, in recent years, more frustrating and difficult for teachers as the social problems of the outside world find their way into schools. This study surveyed primary teachers from two Bronx schools to identify types of classroom management currently being used. Findings indicated that, consistent with a more democratic…

This working paper describes the development of a child care center in Berlin, Germany, focusing on how the program's pedagogical principles support children's learning, how respect for diversity is integrated in everyday practice, and how program quality and accessibility are defined within a multicultural context. Chapter 1 describes the…

There is a growing consensus among educators that a major reason why traditional curriculum approaches have failed is that they are not based on knowledge of what is age-appropriate or individually appropriate for young children. This book provides practitioners with a practical framework for making curriculum effective and responsive for children…

This curriculum resource book provides a collection of practical ideas that preschool educators can use to provide developmentally appropriate learning experiences for children attending a high quality preschool center. The ideas are designed to concur with the format of standards C-L set forth in the related document: "Standards of Quality and…

This practicum study sought to increase child care staff's ability to transfer what they learned from training to the classroom and thereby to increase developmentally appropriate educational practice. Specifically, the project sought to increase positive interactions in the child care setting, increase the use of the outdoors as a learning…

This handbook is a resource for preschool curriculum planning. Chapter 1, "Begin with Yourself," provides checklists, comparative charts, and guiding questions for self-assessment of knowledge and experiences. Chapter 2, "Revitalizing the Environment," provides tools to assess the learning environment and makes suggestions…

The Step by Step program was begun in 1994 as an experiment linking sound early childhood educational (ECE) practice with concepts of democracy to create classrooms in which children practice choice and learn critical thinking skills, and in which parents actively participate in their child's education. This manual extends the concepts of…