The content of January’s “Curriculum, Assessment, and Teaching: Putting It All Together” cluster was culled from presentations at NAEYC’s 20th National Institute for Early Childhood Professional Development. It includes a look at how creative and collaborative projects can address early learning standards, successful adult learning communities, and a report on how children’s fully developed play can enhance social development. Also included are ideas for incorporating arts into the STEM curriculum using Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood as a template, and a comprehensive approach to connecting young children with nature.

To subscribe, visit the Young Children website.

New research in the early childhood education field continually highlights practices that more effectively support children’s learning. In this “Early Childhood Trends and Initiatives,” cluster, articles focus on current research, policy, and practice, and the relationships and connections between these three segments of the profession. Topics include the collection and application of classroom and school data, use of technology to enhance learning, intentional teaching practices, tailoring programs to fit a particular cultural group, the status of state funded pre-K programs, and an analysis of teaching practices for preschoolers.

To subscribe, visit the Young Children website.

The September 2011 cluster of Young Children, “Fostering Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving Skills in Young Children,” offers various approaches to build on children’s natural inquisitiveness. Articles cover implementing critical inquiry curricula, incorporating a metacognitive approach to reading comprehension in second grade, creating movement activities that enhance preschoolers’ working memory, using homemade toys to promote infant and toddler cognitive development, and more. 

When early childhood educators are qualified and well prepared, they are more likely to create environments that support children's learning and healthy development. The articles in this cluster, "Preparing and Supporting Teachers: Innovative Approaches," demonstrate approaches for preparing and supporting today's early childhood workforce in innovative, inspiring, and effective ways. Topics addressed in the cluster include helping teachers reach their full potential, modeling best practice through online learning, and teachers supporting future teachers. This issue also offers content on helping children who stutter, mathematical pattern hunters, and the growth of an affiliate.

To subscribe, visit the Young Children website.