Examines social aspects of literacy learning; presents some thoughts on reading development and literacy instruction. Suggests that teachers should promote literacy by incorporating students' interests in their activities. Developing chat rooms, posting messages on the Internet, and making a radio play for younger students all provide meaningful…

Summarizes recent works addressing intercultural education in Italian schools; curriculum change via schema development; the IEA Preprimary Project; an ethnolinguistic study of 3-year-olds; community service delivery in Australia; Thai child-rearing practices; Korean kindergarten curriculum; a story-telling study in Spain; Effective Early Learning…

Describes a kindergarten/first-grade and a second-grade program for teaching map reading skills. Suggests that map- reading instruction is required to improve children's geography knowledge. Provides ideas on how to observe the environment, use photos, encourage block play, use books, share maps, construct a model of the classroom, read cardinal…

Introduces a recursive-based developmental theory of multiple/multiethnic perspective-taking ability for teachers' developmentally and culturally congruent pedagogy: a way to understand and facilitate growth in teachers' interpersonal pedagogical coordination for developmentally and culturally congruent teaching as "teaching for all…

Reprints an April 17, 1989 NEWSWEEK cover story, "How Kids Learn," which maintains that young children learn best in developmentally appropriate programs that promote cognitive, social, and language development; physical activities; feelings of competence and self-esteem; individual rates of growth; parent involvement; and teacher…

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

Discusses the issues of best practice, guidance of young children, teacher supervision, power, and rewards in the context of developmentally appropriate practice. Examines a true story about a conflict-laden school situation as an opportunity to explore the dynamics of perspective taking, roles and relationships, turbulent and uncertain…

This article considers the idea of culturally appropriate practice versus developmentally appropriate practice and discusses ways that early childhood educators can create a curriculum that considers the values and beliefs of an increasingly diverse student population. It is recommended that teachers rely on students' families for information on…

Provides intermediate grade teachers with strategic guidelines and suggested activities designed to develop and improve the quality of writing experiences among students in the classroom. (BB)

The use of naturalistic teaching procedures in developmentally appropriate early childhood settings was evaluated in two single subject studies. Acquisition and maintenance of skills within developmentally appropriate play contexts were demonstrated by a preschooler with Down's syndrome and one with mild developmental delay. (DB)

Offers primary school teachers, supervisors, in-service specialists, and administrators guides for improving language instruction using a model that values teachers' professional judgment and encourages change in small, comfortable steps. These guidelines are used in the Tennessee State Department of Education Whole Language Pilot Project designed…

Adventure-based physical education programs that consider students' developmental stages can best foster skills that reflect positive personal and social responsibility. Elementary students need basic skill instruction, a variety of noncompetitive activities, and a supportive environment. Short debriefing can be added for middle school students.…

Presents the 1998 position statement regarding early literacy development formulated by the International Reading Association and the National Association for the Education of Young Children. Outlines issues and reviews research. Offers a set of principles and recommendations for teaching practices and public policy. Includes a continuum of…

Discusses the advantages and disadvantages of adding school-age children to family child care programs, based on personal experience as a family day care provider. Notes that a safe, nurturing environment is as important for school-age children as preschoolers. Suggests that every family child care provider's capacity and program needs are…

A survey of 91 early childhood special education teachers found they placed a high priority on characteristics of developmentally appropriate software, primarily use of computer technology, to develop and reinforce academic skills, wanted more computer training, and asked that software reflect the developmental needs of young children with…