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discipline. A term that includes both guidance
and punishment. Guidance consists of
direct actions to help children develop
internal controls and appropriate behavior
patterns. Punishment focuses on the use of
unreasonable, often harsh, action to force
children into behaving the way adults
want. (14)
disinfecting. The process of eliminating germs
from surfaces. (13)
documentation. The process of collecting samples
of children’s work systematically over time to
show tangible evidence of progress. (3)
dramatic play. A form of play in which a single
child imitates another person or acts out a
situation. (21)
draw and tell. A storytelling method in which
drawings are made on chalkboard, dry
erase board, poster board, or an 18×24-inch
newsprint pad as the story is told. Also called
chalk talk. (20)
E
early childhood. The period of life from birth to
nine years of age. (1)
early learning standards. Used to improve
professional practice by promoting high-
quality learning environments for young
children. (18)
e-book. An electronic book that is read on an
e-reader. (20)
eclectic. Varied. (31)
ecology. The study of the chain of life. (25)
egocentric. A characteristic of people that means
that they believe everyone else sees, thinks,
and feels like they do. (6)
egotistical. Very proud. (32)
elimination. Bowel or bladder release. (17)
emergent curriculum. A child-centered
curriculum that “emerges” from the children’s
interest and experiences. (18)
emetic. Substance that induces vomiting when
swallowed. (11)
emotional abuse. Abuse of a child’s self-concept
through words or actions. (11)
empathy. The ability to understand another’s
feelings. (5)
empty set. A set with no members. (23)
encouraging. A guidance strategy teachers
use to recognize a child’s efforts and
improvements. (17)
engaging activities. Connect the children’s
interests, experience, and developmental
level. (18)
enrichment. A process to broaden the range of
experiences with special curriculum. (31)
entrepreneur. A person who creates and runs his
or her own business. (1)
environment. All of the interactions, experiences,
and events that infl uence a child’s
development. (4)
environmental print. The print that surrounds
kindergarteners and preschoolers. (22)
epilepsy. A condition in which a person has
periodic seizures. (13)
ethics. A guiding set of moral principles, either
those held personally or those determined by a
professional organization for its members. (1)
evaluation. The process of reviewing the
information and fi nding value in it. (3)
expansion. Technique that involves taking a
child’s mispronounced words and correctly
expanding them into sentences. (31)
expressive language. The ability to produce
language forms and express thoughts to
others verbally or in writing. (6)
F
fable. Simple story in which an animal is the
main character and often points out a moral
lesson. (20)
facilitator. Person who provides assistance or
guidance in bringing about an intended
outcome. (30)
fairy tales. Books having a theme of achievement.
The characters or heroes of these stories must
perform diffi cult tasks in order to succeed.
(20)
family child care home. Child care that is
provided in the caregivers own home.
Depending upon the state, the home may be
licensed or exempt from licensing. (1)
family life stories. Books containing the theme of
social understanding. (20)
Glossary