Discusses early reading and writing learning as embedded in a larger system of oral communication, and considers the content and valuable dispositions of early literacy instruction. Describes essential early literacy teaching strategies, including rich teacher talk and storybook reading. Includes examples of interactive storybook reading and…

Mandated standards do not pose a threat to developmentally responsive middle level programs; rather, how standards are interpreted determines their appropriateness for educating young adolescents. Differences in responses to mandated standards are reflective of an individual school's culture. Understanding culture and cultural leadership provides…

This case study examined a collaboration between a college and school district to explore options for constructing systematic early childhood field experiences that would enhance a developing school initiative related to school readiness. Preliminary outcomes relate to continuing to work closely together, conducting additional mutual…

Presents evidence that high-quality early childhood programs can partially offset negative effects of childhood poverty and produce modest but definite benefits in children's education and early adult socioeconomic experience. Contrasts different types of early childhood programs and favors those focusing on child-initiated learning. (RH)

Examines issues related to current practice in early childhood special education in light of developmentally appropriate practice (DAP). Focuses on the appropriateness of DAP principles to the education of young children with disabilities, specifically the importance placed on play in mainstream early education and whether this can be transferred…

Describes a nursery school director's successful experience with allowing children to serve themselves at snack and lunchtimes, and some of the problems the staff overcame to adapt family style dining to the abilities of small children. (HTH)

Examines the major characteristics of nontraditional or alternative assessment in language learning, the uses of alternative assessment procedures, and different types of alternative assessment. An annotated bibliography discusses eight important works in the field. (75 references) (MDM)

Discusses current issues and trends in kindergarten education, and the social and educational forces that precipitated them, within the context of the historical perspective of kindergarten in the United States. Focuses on developmentally appropriate practice, child-centered programs, parent education and involvement, and quality teaching. (TJQ)

Children who do not learn responsible anger management are more likely than other children to engage in negative peer interactions and respond to anger with socially unconstructive responses. To encourage anger management in children, teachers can model anger management; avoid shaming children; increase children's understanding of anger; help…

Many drug abuse prevention programs and materials, such as the "Smart Choices" newsletter for kindergartners, are developmentally inappropriate for young children. Successful preventive measures need to address the mixed messages that society itself gives to children about alcohol and other drugs and present developmentally appropriate instruction…

Challenges the thinking about planning activities for children around holidays in Head Start programs. Discusses the role of holidays as family events and the difficulties surrounding teaching preschoolers the meaning of holidays. Suggests ways to use holidays as an opportunity to truly expand children's knowledge using child development…

The recent call for developmentally appropriate practices is analyzed from the perspective of the sociology of the curriculum, which is examined briefly. Discussion covers metaphors that form the foundation of curriculum theory and two alternative metaphors: early childhood education as caring and as schooling for democracy. (LB)

Discusses the purposes of assessment in programs for young children and the role of assessment in the context of children's lives, parents' concerns, and teachers' and administrators' situations. Also discusses how observation-based assessment can be used as part of a developmentally appropriate assessment process serving children, parents,…

Extra-year programs for children in kindergarten and first grade are not cost effective and have a tendency to keep children out of school. What does work is a developmentally appropriate curriculum for the primary grades that emphasizes integrated learning across the curriculum, small group instruction, and mixed-age grouping. (MLF)

Argues that worksheets are limited teaching tools because they do not address preschoolers' developmental needs such as hands-on play. Presents characteristics of early learning that can be facilitated by play, which fosters children's social and language development, physical skills, and creative and critical thinking. Suggests that learning can…