With a focus on dispositions and affordances, Sally Peters considers some of the dominant theoretical ideas about transition, including maturational readiness, “filling the gaps”, scaffolding the process, and looking at the big picture.

Beginning formal schooling is a time of change and challenge for children, families, and educators. This article focuses on one approach by the Starting School Research Project to engage first-year students as co-researchers in a study of what they think students new to school should know.

There are some serious concerns about the effects of noise in education and about the ability of children to learn effectively in typical learning environments. This article examines some of the issues.

This article explores ways in which a forum and process were created for teachers to think about assumptions, values, and the purpose of education; explore reciprocal influences of teachers’ and children’s interactions; and deepen opportunities for parents and children to contribute to the curriculum. It discusses policy and practice implications ...

There is a widespread expectation that acquiring ICT skills and experiences during childhood will be critical for later success in the workplace. The writers examine some of the issues and evidence from the literature.

Self-review of policies and procedures is now a requirement for early childhood services in New Zealand. This article describes the development of a resource kit for carrying out reviews of quality, The Quality Journey, and two pilot studies using it. Participants found several aspects of self-review challenging but also rewarding.

Starting school is a major life-event for all involved: children, families, preschool educators, and school staff. All groups engage in a range of activities designed to make the time of transition to school positive. Yet each group has different perceptions of, expectations for, and experiences with this transition. This article ...

The authors show how Information and Communication Technology (ICT), can enhance Learning Stories and benefit children, families, teachers, and the curriculum in general.