Scientific Research Publishing

Read  full  paper  at: http://www.scirp.org/journal/PaperInformation.aspx?PaperID=45293#.VL33kyzQrzE Author(s)    Aikaterini Michalopoulou Affiliation(s) Department of Early Years Education, University of Thessaly, Thessaly, Greece . ABSTRACT Many different skills make up inquiry-based learning for children, and children need many opportunities to develop and use these skills as they progress through the Kindergarten years. Inquiry skills should not be taught in isolation, but integrated into interesting topics and ideas. Children need many opportunities to generate and discuss ideas, make plans, brainstorm solutions to problems, reflect and give reasons for their choices. The aim of the research conducted at kindergartens in Volos, is to explore pre-school age children’s responses, thoughts, ideas and feelings through pictures of art. Our study involved asking children to study paintings and create opportunities for them to expres...

Read full paper at: http://www.scirp.org/journal/PaperInformation.aspx?PaperID=47208#.VFw5aWfHRK0 Author(s)   Sarah Ohi Affiliation(s) School of Education, Faculty of Arts & Education, Deakin University, Melbourne, Australia . ABSTRACT Recent emphasis upon Early Childhood as an educational priority for the Australian Government has resulted in increases in funding, government initiatives, course providers and the introduction of new policies to the sector in order to improve the quality of early childhood education. The study reported here investigated the “reality” of what it means to be an Early Childhood Teacher within this changing context and identified the roles and responsibilities and the associa...