Chapter Introduction

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PART THREE

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Early Childhood

From ages 2 to 6, young children spend most of their waking hours discovering, creating, laughing, and imagining, as they acquire the skills they need. They chase each other and attempt new challenges (developing their bodies); they play with sounds, words, and ideas (developing their minds); they invent games and dramatize fantasies (learning social skills and morals)—all under the guidance of their families and communities.

These years are sometimes called the preschool years, but that term has become a misnomer. Millions of 2– to 6–year–olds go every day to a place where they learn, which is what school means, so young children are not necessarily pre–schoolers.

Children are active learners from birth on: Ages 2 to 6 are prime time for new ideas, language advances, and education, all while playing and growing. Consequently, this period is best called early childhood, a joyful time for young children and for anyone who joins them.