Presents an analogy between classroom space utilization and Peter Brook's 1968 play, "The Empty Space," used in a modern, dramatic literature, college course. Taught from a feminist and student-centered perspective, students configured the classroom and class members as part of their dramatic readings. Stresses the indispensability of…

This handbook of practical guidelines for daily life in day care is addressed to caregivers, teachers, directors, and students who want to provide high quality care for children. Separate sections are devoted to (1) day care as a daily living experience; (2) the parent-caregiver relationship; (3) priorities for health and safety, staff…

The learning environment and its interrelationship with educational policies and the coordinated planning and design of schools and their facilities are discussed in the light of the human organism or student. The problems and hazards of present learning environments are reviewed in conjunction with environmental control and its influence on…

Describes a study designed to explore sources of influence on the judgements made by science teachers related to school characteristics, classroom features, and properties of a science curriculum. Results suggest that teachers' judgments center around concern for student ability and interest, teaching methods, and school spirit and morale. (TW)

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…

As the world becomes more diverse socially, culturally, and economically, there are growing expectations that the individual's differences and rights will be recognized, respected, and responded to in positive ways. This book provides teachers of both multi-age and diverse single-age classrooms guidance on classroom organization, curriculum…

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 book presents a step-by-step guide to creating a smoothly functioning, literacy-rich first-grade classroom. It helps teachers do such things as bond with their new classes, create happy and cohesive environments, develop students' organizational skills and self-control, keep students motivated, integrate children's literature and the arts…

The booklet discusses the concept of environmental psychology and suggests ways of applying environmental psychology principles to education. A new field of study, environmental psychology deals with influences of the physical environment on human attitudes and behavior. Of potential use to educators on all levels as they seek to use the physical…

This annotated bibliography focuses on the effects of the physical environment on education. Topics covered include school size, architectural design, seating arrangement, environmental stressors, alternative learning environments, enhancing learning through environmental change, and special groups of students within the school. The first section…

This paper investigates the formation and evolution of friendship cliques among preadolescent youths. An understanding of these patterns can aid teachers in influencing social relations and the behavior of their students. Two sets of sociometric data were collected to analyze children's friendship cliques. The relationship among the variables of…

Argues classrooms must provide an appropriately stimulating environment that supports learning and provides teachers and students with a comfortable place to learn. Lists requisite factors of the school environment including furniture, aesthetics, color, carpet, building maintenance, decorating detail, comfort, space/design, lighting, classroom…

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 detailed curriculum guide describes a model program (the Preschool Hearing Impaired Support Center) implemented in the Detroit Public Schools' preprimary classes for the hearing impaired. The auditory-oral approach is based on the developmental philosophy of Jean Piaget and on principles of regular early childhood education programs. Section…