Notes that the increasing numbers of children from a variety of cultures and backgrounds attending preschools present new challenges for many teachers and parents. Discusses ways to provide developmentally appropriate activities for bilingual children. Stresses involving parents contributes to both the child's and parents' positive attitudes…

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…

Compares recent policy changes in Alberta and British Columbia concerning preschool and primary education. Discusses the conflicts involved in a movement away from centrally imposed models of norm-referenced attainment to a more child-focused developmentally based curriculum in a flexible nongraded setting. Contains 30 references. (SV)

Describes ways to involve young children in early childhood programs in environmental issues. Focuses on three approaches: the "love approach," which fosters children's appreciation for the natural world; the "know approach," which helps children become knowledgeable about the environment; and the "do approach," which…

Maintains that, because social development begins in the early years, it is appropriate for early childhood programs to include periodic formal and informal assessments of children's progress in the acquisition of social competence. A checklist of social attributes for teachers to use in examining children is provided. (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)

This article elaborates on three principles which are the foundation of the developmental approach to early childhood education. These principles are multiage grouping, nongraded curricular materials, and interactive teaching. (IAH)

Learning sign language is a multisensory, high-interest, developmentally appropriate activity for young children. Learning to sign improves children's attention, self-esteem, motivation, sensitivity to others, language development, reading and math readiness, behavior management, vocabularies, and retention; and allows for inclusion of special…

Examines definitions of sexual abuse and primary prevention; considers the appropriateness and fairness of child abuse prevention programs in the light of child abuse theory and developmentally appropriate educational practices; and reviews the quality and effects of some programs. Suggests caregivers and educators consider greater parent and…

In response to extended-day child care schedules, this article offers suggestions for planning a variety of developmentally appropriate activities to maintain the preschool child's interest and energy. Suggestions are provided for scheduling, enlisting parent and volunteer participation, increasing awareness of current events, and for end-of-day…

Describes how Canada's University of Victoria worked with the Meadow Lake Tribal Council representing Aboriginal communities to develop the generative preschool curriculum model, an early childhood education (ECE) training program embracing community- and culturally-appropriate practice. Concludes that early indicators of program impact support…

Describes the use of experiential learning activities in a first grade classroom composed of learners at several levels, including some with learning disabilities and some with special speech and language needs. Presents learning activities to integrate mathematics with developmentally appropriate process writing, including a birthday graph, dice…

To meet recently promulgated standards, teachers are challenged to teach more rigorous, extensive subject-area content, develop varied instructional strategies, and reach a wider range of students. Teachers should be guided by a high-quality curriculum characterized by academic rigor, equity, and developmental responsiveness. (MLH)

Examines the use of behavioral strategies in inclusive early childhood education settings, focusing on positive reinforcement. Notes that developmentally appropriate practice does not preclude the use of reinforcement as incentives. Describes different types of reinforcers and answers frequently asked questions about reinforcement strategies.…

Randomly selected family child care homes providing minimal quality care were observed prior to, and after, enrolling two additional school age children. Results suggest that modest change in number and age range of children in family child care home providing minimally acceptable care may potentially decrease provider sensitivity and may be less…