The place of kindergarteners in academia has grown more important in recent years. Increased emphasis on learning at the kindergarten level, however, should not blind educators to the developmental levels of four- and five-year-olds, who may learn most effectively by playing creatively and exploring new language skills. (PGD)

A former surgeon has revealed that nutrition and exercise have positive effects on the school environment and also on student academic achievement. Some of the guidelines and recommendations for physical activity that can be adopted in schools are described.

Kindergarten stresses the readiness factor for learning. This paper first lists 10 things which kindergarten students have experienced in developing readiness for first grade. The paper then discusses 10 things that teachers can do to approach teaching reading in the kindergarten classroom. Finally, it considers additional assistance to aid…

Focusing on the brain's natural functions, this article discusses specific teacher characteristics, teaching methods, and peripheral stimuli helping to activate appropriate learning behavior. Also identifies particular events and teacher behaviors that block learning and frustrate the brain's efforts to harmonize conflicts and admit new…

Studies confirm the educational advantages and cost-effectiveness of high-quality early childhood programs and have made more persuasive the argument for developing such programs. The most important determinants of such programs are: group size, qualifications and training of staff, stability of care, and adult-child ratio. (MD)

The Marzano thinking skills model (emphasizing learning preparation, content thinking, and basic reasoning skills) will enhance learning opportunities for students whom the present system overlooks or labels unteachable. Schools can restructure teaching and evaluation methods to educate all young people for a successful future in the information…

This paper declares war against the miseducation of young children, who learn best through direct encounters rather than through formalized inculcation of symbolic rules. A variety of socioeconomic forces (including the civil rights and women's movements) are forcing preschoolers into learning environments originally designed for school-age…

Young children think and learn differently, yet early childhood education is now subject to new pressures. Many believe that early exposure to technology accelerates mental development and improves sensory and mental capacity. There is no factual support for this idea. Children who grow up with technology are not necessarily more proficient with…

Noting the importance of developmentally appropriate practice (DAP) for teaching kindergarten students, this guide with accompanying videotape is designed to help kindergarten practitioners assess their classroom's level of readiness. The guide discusses the concept of kindergarten readiness as including the capacity of kindergarten classrooms and…

Preschool intervention may be effective for economically disadvantaged children but not for middle-class children. Yet many preschool children need universally available day care. The best way to provide this would be to work with the schools. The author promotes the return to concept of the community school as a local center for all social…

"Healthy School Meals: Promotion Ideas That Work" is a Minnesota program based on the USDA's Team Nutrition program. The program's goal is to improve the health of children through school meals and nutrition education. This is accomplished by empowering schools to serve meals meeting the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, and motivating…

Features 2 of 12 exemplary math and science programs identified by educational groups. Washington School District, Phoenix, Arizona, improved student achievement in science by hands-on laboratory experience and creative staff use. Manchester, Connecticut, elementary students raised mathematics scores thorough an activities-based curriculum with…

This videotape, with accompanying discussion guide, addresses issues of young children's learning readiness and the readiness of the school to teach young children. The 50-minute videotape, for use as a stand-alone instruction video in one sitting or as an accompaniment to group discussions or to a self-study program, is geared toward informal…

Argues that Soviet secondary school students' readiness to continue learning is important to pedagogy and the state. Reports research indicating that most tenth grade graduates planned to continue schooling. Concludes that secondary school guidance inadequately promotes some forms of continuing education. Reveals student attitudes about various…

In 1986, the Far West Laboratory for Educational Research and Development was contracted to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the California State University's (CSU) Summer Bridge and Intensive Learning Experience (ILE) programs. These new remedial/developmental programs are designed to provide basic skills instruction, orientation, and…