There often seems to be confusion as to when young children should be ready to learn basic math concepts. The truth is, children are born ready to do mathematics. They show amazing competencies very early in life. For example, one can show an infant two objects as one moves them behind a screen. Then one more object is added. When the screen is…

Research indicates that a socioeconomic status-related gap in mathematical knowledge appears early and widens during early childhood. Young children from economically disadvantaged families receive less support for mathematical development both at home and in preschool. Consequently, children from different socioeconomic backgrounds enter…

Children's learning of consumer economics concepts in two types of preschool teaching conditions was compared. Children in the Ausubelian program (high proportion of teacher-directed learning activities) achieved a significantly higher level of performance than did children in the Piagetian program (high proportion of child-directed activities.)…

The purpose of this Child Development Associate (CDA) training module is to help the CDA intern understand the skills that young children bring to the preschool classroom, and the kinds of classroom activities that help children learn. Objectives are stipulated, activities for each objective are suggested, and an assessment checklist is provided.…

Examines the varying opinions on school readiness within a broad context and, more specifically, in relation to mathematics learning. Focuses on the kinds of mathematical experiences children should have before entering formal schooling and suggestions for parents of young children. Specific areas examined include: (1) national standards as a road…

The important role of spontaneous play in preschool education programs is emphasized. At present too much emphasis is placed on structured learning activities and it's suggested that more "open spaces" be allowed for in a child's day. In spontaneous play, adequate space and time must be allotted for investigation and unhurried experience. Good…

Written to help parents understand what their children need to know before they start kindergarten, this volume, bound separately in English and Spanish, is intended to help parents become their children's best, as well as their first and most important, teachers. The first part of the book, the before school checklist, is divided into eight…

As part of a series of manuals prepared for reading education workshops for parents and educators, this booklet focuses on reading readiness activities. Divided into three sections, the booklet describes activities for parents to use with their children that develop speaking and listening vocabularies, inquisitiveness for learning, and ability to…

The purpose of this manuscript is to encourage the development of the communication skills of preschool children by introducing their parents to a number of learning activities suitable for implementation in the home. It is written to be used by an instructor who is working with preschool parents. The activities, which are designed to be…

Based on the view that the parent is a child's first and most important teacher, this book shows parents how to stimulate and encourage learning in reading and writing, language and communication, thinking and reasoning, plus promote good social and emotional behaviors and improve gross and fine motor skills. Part 1 of the book describes child…

The purpose of this manuscript (written in Spanish) is to encourage the development of communication skills of preschool children by introducing their parents to a number of learning activities suitable for home use. It is written to be used by an instructor who is working with preschool parents. The activities, which are designed to be…