Early learning
Early learning
The language of neuroscience is increasingly being used to support assertions about many aspects of human life. A recent series of studies (Weisberg et al., 2008) found that explanations of human behaviour that included irrelevant neuroscience words, such as ‘frontal lobe brain circuitry’, were rated by non-experts as significantly more credible than explanations without the… Read more
To reduce the high repetition rates in early years of primary school, the government of Cambodia piloted a school readiness program (SRP) in the first two months of Grade 1 of primary school.This study examines whether such intervention has effects on students’ immediate acquisition of school readiness skills as well as students’ longer term achievement… Read more
In recent years, increasing priority has been placed on the development of national intersectoral early childhood development (ECD) policies in Sub-Saharan Africa. This paper reviews the role of national ECD policies to promote young children’s access to key early childhood services. We discuss the proliferation of national ECD policies in Sub-Saharan Africa in the last… Read more
This statement is intended primarily to provide guidance to those working in early childhood education programs serving children from birth through age 8. Although not developed as a guide for families in the selection and use of technology and interactive media in their homes, the information here may be helpful to inform such decisions.
Do you know how important you are to young children? Children learn from watching and listening to you. They are learning from you all the time. When you talk, play and have fun together, you are helping children develop important skills. The Getting Ready for School programme is designed to help you help little children… Read more
In 1990, the National Education Goals were established by the President and the 50 state governors. Great attention has been given to Goal 1, dubbed the “readiness” goal: By the year 2000, all children in America will start school ready to learn. The Goal 1 Resource Technical Planning Groups were asked to suggest ways in… Read more
The social policy of the Mexican Government is aimed to improve human development and wellbeing among Mexicans through the development of their capacities in health, education and nutrition, in order to promote equality and overcome poverty. Oportunidades is one of the core axes of Mexican policy, and in 2012 is benefiting 5.8 million families. Other… Read more
In an effort to better understand the ways in which young people’s learning and expression are being shaped by mobile and digital technologies, the Pearson Foundation released “The Digital World of Young Children: Emergent Literacy,” a research white paper on the effects of digital media on young children’s learning at the 2010 Consortium for School… Read more
Much is written about Africa today, and much of it is not hopeful. Daily, the world hears stories of disease, despair, and death. Such a litany of misery is not unfounded—but there are also stories of hope, promise, and potential. They too are a critically important part of the complex story of Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA)… Read more
South Africa’s National Integrated Plan for Early Childhood Development (ECD) 2005–2010 builds on existing public programmes with the aim of ensuring that all children aged 0–4 years can access a comprehensive range of quality services. In this article, Linda Biersteker assesses how the NIP has worked in practice and draws lessons for implementation that can… Read more
By the time most kids start preschool, aged around 3, the most important building blocks for learning have already been put in place. That’s why this edition of Early Childhood Matters, entitled Learning Begins Early, focuses on learning from birth to 3 years old. Articles examine how children learn in their first three years and… Read more