Forest kindergartens are a new idea in the United States but have been around in Germany, Norway, and other European countries for decades. Forest "kindergartens" are preschools for children ages 3-6 and focus on being outdoors and learning through interacting with nature. Instead of building with blocks or doing puzzles at a table…

The accomplishments of the American psychologist Wayne Dennis (1905-1976), author of "Children of the Creche" and approximately 130 additional published works, are described. Professor Dennis' research interests and accomplishments are emphasized. (RH)

The lineage of developmental psychology has involved three waves of research in the 1890s (Hall), 1930s, and 1960s (Piaget). Over these years, a cooperative knowledge-building process arose, fostered by new journals in the 1930s, in which articles built upon one another and sustained or redirected trains of thought among a community of…

Reviews the history of the several editions of the "Handbook of Child Psychology" from 1931 to the present. Identifies continuing themes and alterations in theoretical orientation within the field of human development that are found in the handbook's editions. Discusses the strategy behind and the contents of the 1997 edition. (BC)

This book examines the history and purpose of outdoor play areas. Chapter 1 of the book discusses the importance of play in children's lives and the role of playgrounds in the play process. The historical development and evolution of playgrounds is recounted in chapter 2, while chapter 3 reviews research on playgrounds, including research…

So closely is learning interwoven with doing that to the Girl Scout herself all the scout activities are "just play." To the observant educator, the fundamentals of citizenship, good health, and community spirit are implanted through the natural ambition of the Girl Scout to strive for proficiency badges and scout honors. Subtler, but by no means…

Discusses John Dewey's views on the meaning and nature of a psychology of human development. Focuses on his early commitment to idealistic philosophy, discovery of social psychology, and consummate interest in education. Dewey proposed that psychology could promote human development and social progress by elucidating mechanisms for realizing…

Examines the impact of Arnold L. Gesell on developmental psychology. Gesell is best remembered for his developmental norms, acquired from observations of infants and children. Gesell's ideas about maturation have lost favor, but his belief in infants' native abilities is still a dominant theme in theories. (BC)

Reviews the 40-year history of an association dedicated to the growth and development of children's theatre and child drama in the U.S. and abroad. (PD)

Reflects on four aspects of the history of developmental psychology. Notes that the discipline has followed a path from fact collection without theory, to grand theories, to a profusion of minitheories; expanded focus from child to lifespan development; exhibited increased cross-disciplinary interests; and become more sensitive to addressing…

Examines historical and conceptual bases of counseling psychology relative to their fit for work with children from birth to 12 years of age. Considers mental health needs of today's children and argues that counseling psychologists can make legitimate contribution to prevention and remediation of common problems that children encounter during…

Documents the impact on America's social policy of developmental psychologist Edward Zigler's knowledge, presence, and advocacy. Describes Zigler's lifetime efforts and his influence on public policy for children's full development including his work for Head Start, the Office of Child Development, and on-the-job training in policymaking. (Author)

Much of what later became industrial arts originated with the early kindergarten, based on the principles of Froebel as an educational response to economic hardship and social unrest. Emphasis was on activity and social learning, on teaching children how to work and fostering allegiance to the social system. (SK)

This "classic" article (1972) in the field of deaf studies includes some interpretive notes for current readers. The article examines the effect of deafness on basic developmental tasks at each of the eight developmental stages of Erik Erikson's theory of psychosocial development and explains the more successful passage through these…

The rapidly increasing number of camps in the 1910s through the 1920s led to the formation of camp directors' associations, the first nationally inclusive group being formed in 1924. An illustrative article from 1929, "The Future of Camping" (Edwin DeMerritte), discusses the mission and ethics of the camping profession and the role of…