Identified classroom characteristics and teacher characteristics that were related to the self-reported beliefs and classroom practices of first-, second-, and third-grade teachers. Found classroom characteristics and teacher characteristics predicted teacher beliefs and practices and that teacher characteristics added significantly to the…

Maintains that economic education can help children understand their complex economic society and the individual economic events in which they participate. Also discusses some important concepts in economic decision making that are developmentally appropriate for young children. Information on instructional resources for teachers is also provided.…

Presents a developmental approach to young children's woodworking. Discusses seven developmental stages of children's woodworking and woodworking activities appropriate to each developmental stage. (BB)

Discusses topics that are especially appropriate for investigation by young learners and describes activities that stimulate children's curiosity. Suggestions about ways to focus children's attention on mathematical aspects of the activities are offered. (BB)

A developmentally appropriate creative writing program for kindergarten children that included peer interaction and teacher-student discussion was studied to ascertain whether program participants would attain significantly higher oral language scores than did nonparticipants. The writing program was implemented in one of two half-day kindergarten…

This book is based on the experiences of many kindergarten teachers and explains teaching practices proven to be effective in the kindergarten classroom and the theoretical basis for them. The book consists of seven chapters. Chapter 1, "A Framework for Teaching," provides a discussion of research, chronological and behavioral age,…

A 1-year research project was designed to analyze an early childhood teacher's current teaching practices within a framework of existing theories and to address unexpected or anomalous situations by constructing and testing new categories of understanding, strategies of action, and ways of framing problems. The main teacher concern addressed by…

Presents an account of the project approach used by American first graders to study Japan. (BB)

This document relates the experiences of individuals who have embraced the concept of developmentally appropriate practice in kindergarten and made the effort to translate their understandings into practice in public school settings. The book's primary authors are a kindergarten teacher, an elementary school principal, a school superintendent, and…

Drawing from a comparison of Danish and American kindergarten students, a review of theories of child activity, and action research, this report outlines several principles for pedagogical practice among 5- and 6-year-old children. The report first focuses on the crosscultural, ethnographic, and comparative study of Danish and American…

Noting the challenges presented for kindergarten teachers by current demands for accountability based on standardized measures that ignore diversity, this book presents ideas for implementing a developmentally-appropriate kindergarten curriculum within the constraints of American public schools. Following introductory remarks, the book is…

This manual for first grade teachers provides suggestions and teaching materials that reflect the multicultural composition of New York City's (New York) public schools. An introduction describes the philosophy that supports a high-quality, developmentally appropriate program through a multicultural perspective. The manual is organized into the…

In response to standardized test scores that did not accurately reflect student learning, Franklin Lower Elementary School in Meadville, Mississippi, began a process of restructuring to become a developmentally appropriate school by using hands-on materials, focusing on whole language, and emphasizing the development of thinking skills. To…

Explores art education for young children, emphasizing developmentally appropriate programs that integrate art activities with children's daily experiences rather than impose adult notions about art. Recognizes school and home environment's influence on developing children's visual activity and skill. Advocates that classroom teachers take more…

Traces the theoretical basis for vertical integration in early school years. Contrasts transmission-based pedagogy with a higher level of teacher control, and acquirer-based pedagogy with a higher level of student control. Suggests that early childhood pedagogy will be maintained when teachers are able to articulate their pedagogical knowledge and…