Noting that comparisons with international numeracy standards have raised concern about the mathematics attainment of British children, this report provides information to enhance Scottish early childhood practitioner knowledge and understanding of early numeracy and gives practical examples of how to work with young children to develop their…

Recognizing the valuable early learning experiences that children encounter at home or in various preschool settings, this guide presents a curriculum framework for children aged 3 to 5 years in Scottish early years settings. The guide extends the advice offered in "A Curriculum Framework for Children in Their Pre-School Year" and…

The field of early childhood education has long been marked by intense controversy concerning appropriate curriculum and teaching methods and goals. This paper explores some implications of the traditional dichotomies of the field and suggests that while there are many reasons to resist the side that advocates formal academic instruction, it does…

Uninformed of the power of play as an educational tool, many people view play as a waste of time and call for a return to teaching basic academic skills during the period of early childhood. This chapter demonstrates that play is a major vehicle for learning, focusing on the dynamics of sociodramatic interaction that are integral to understanding…

Because intuitive aptitude for music stabilizes at about age 9 years, the early childhood years are critical to the development of children's potential for comprehending and producing music. This literature review centers on studies that have expanded knowledge of how young children perform, perceive, and create music and thus develop their…

Three kindergarten teachers integrated developmentally appropriate 30-minute daily writing experiences into the curriculum. Both teachers and students came to value writing time, and teachers became more comfortable in making writing an integral part of each day. A modified program in the second year introduced sight words and word walls earlier.…

A kindergarten teacher relates her experience of becoming a better teacher after her move from a teacher-directed to a child-centered classroom and curriculum. (BB)

Parents of 53 young children identified for giftedness between the ages of three and five responded to a questionnaire concerning child characteristics, support and availability of specialized services, curricular expectancies, and requested and volunteered services. Among immediate concerns expressed were developing and maintaining the child's…

Criticizes sexual abuse prevention training for preschool children, and analyzes the content of five curricula currently in use in California, North Dakota, and Washington. Recommends greater vigilance by adult caretakers and less reliance on children to identify molestation. (FMW)

Four articles discuss the child-centered approach of the preschools of Reggio Emilia, Italy: "Not Just Anywhere: Making Child Care Centers into 'Particular' Places" (Lella Gandini); "Your Image of the Child" (Loris Malaguzzi); "What Can We Learn from Reggio Emilia: An Italian-American Collaboration (Lella Gandini); and…

Discusses ways in which early childhood teachers can educate parents about the necessity for developmentally appropriate education at the preschool and primary levels, despite widespread parental preferences for an inappropriate, structured academic curriculum. Teachers can explain the purposes of developmentally appropriate curriculum to parents,…

Discusses ways science can be included in every activity of the preschoolers' day. Describes four characteristics of young children that are important to remember when planning science activities. Provides guidelines for developing and evaluating science activities. Presents a preschool unit on insects and offers suggestions for incorporating…

Presents an overview of the revised guidelines for kindergarten education and the syllabus for day-nurseries adopted in Japan in 1989 and 1990 to build a foundation for lifelong learning. Discusses the significance of the revisions in light of social and economic changes in Japan. Underscores the union of care and education in the day-nursery…

Describes and reports evaluations of the Developmental Toddler Educational Care Program of Yonsei University in Seoul, Korea. The program's purposes are to (1) demonstrate model toddler care; (2) provide a facility for research; (3) provide training for undergraduate and graduate students; and (4) offer university-affiliated families day care for…

Outlines the policy context of New Zealand early childhood program evaluation and quality. Presents ethnographic research findings on key elements of program quality in relation to New Zealand National Early Childhood Curriculum; findings provide basis for self-evaluation framework through use of Teaching Stories as a focus for reflection and…