Exploring effects of developmentally appropriate practices in Cyprus

Research Findings: This study, undertaken in Nicosia, Cyprus, sought to evaluate some of the hypothesized developmental benefits of developmentally appropriate practices (DAP) by investigating how the pedagogical attitudes and practices of Greek/Cypriot parents (n = 142) and teachers (n = 16) relate to 4- to 7-year-olds' (n = 142) social-emotional functioning at the end of the academic year. After taking into account potentially confounding effects of parenting attitudes and practices, only a few classroom-environment effects were detected; virtually all of these proved inconsistent with theoretical expectations, though upon reflection they proved less surprising than first imagined. Practice or Policy: Results are discussed in terms of the evidence base of DAP

Mothers’ attitudes toward peer play

Autorės Monikos Skerytės-Kazlauskienės prieskyra nurodyta : "Lithuanian University of Educational Sciences"Mothers’ attitudes toward their children’s peer play is analyzed in the chapter. Research data was collected in the families that have two or more children of various ages and where children’s play is valued. Six interviews with mothers were carried out. The mothers were asked about the value of children’s peer play. Analysis of the data highlighted the most significant aspects of peer play outlined by the mothers: peer play releases children’s creative potential; peer play is a space where children develop long-lasting mutual relationships; constantly changing peer play support the development of children. In addition, the study revealed that mother’s understanding of children’s conflicts in play differs from the existing institutional practices. The implications of these findings suggest, that knowledgeable parents possess deep and valuable observations of children’s peer play that should be used to reconceptualize some important topics in early childhood educationEdukologijos tyrimų institutasVytauto Didžiojo universitetasŠvietimo akademij