Many parents find it hard to make decisions about screen time for their kids because advice comes from different directions and often conflicts. In the field of child development, there are decades of theory and research that can be very helpful as a guide for screen and digital device use with young kids. These ideas can be a resource for parents…

This paper examines important factors in maximizing children's experiential learning in the context of inquiry-based children's museums. Learning is understood as situated in physical, social, and interactive context that is best achieved when children have opportunities to engage in play-based inquiry. Recommendations for maximizing children's…

In this article, the author discusses playdough. Playdough is a staple play material in the early childhood classroom which provides enjoyable and satisfying experiences for young children. But, it is not merely a "fun" activity, it also provides valuable hands-on, active-learning experiences and supports children's growth and learning in many…

Young children are active learners who touch, feel, experiment, and create. Learning centers are designed to relate to their world of active learning and to encourage their involvement, thereby enhancing development of choice making, oral language, creativity, social skills, responsibility, and understanding of symbols. This book includes…

Highlights the importance of outdoor play as a space for active learning, discovery, and development of motor skills. Provides suggestions for creating an outdoor curriculum, including how to get started, important materials, and activity ideas. Encourages teachers and caregivers to devote plenty of time and energy to outdoor learning. (SD)

This article discusses a project about lunch undertaken by a class of 3- to 5-year-old children in a preschool in Iowa. Following a description of the school and the goals of the project, the article presents the three phases of the project. The teacher's reflections about the project are also included. Photographs taken to document the project…

This practicum was designed to increase teacher knowledge base in developmentally appropriate practices and increase understanding of the need for play and sensory motor activities in the kindergarten program. The primary goal was that the kindergarten teachers would use more developmentally appropriate practices in achieving curriculum…

Highlighting the importance of teaching practice grounded in a consciously held, critically examined philosophical framework, this book examines the contribution of John Dewey's philosophy to the early childhood teacher's theoretical base for practical direction and decision making. A detailed account of how Dewey's educational philosophy may be…