Today's children are being forced to achieve more and at an earlier age than ever before in society. Previously "natural" rites of passage into adulthood come too early for children, and they often do not get the chance to appreciate and experience the highly important period of life called childhood. (CJ)

Describes purpose of private speech and stages of development of private speech from birth to age 8. Details ways teachers can support children's gradual internalization of private speech. Outlines procedures for assessing private speech progress. Notes classroom implications related to anticipating children's thinking, asking children to answer…

This article reviews data from a national survey of gifted children (n=329) to support the idea that the problems of gifted boys can be differentiated in terms of cultural conditioning, sexuality and success-orientation, and ego development. These issues are related to other findings from male studies. (Author/DB)

Details four tennis coaching principles that can be applied in a variety of settings to help children develop better self-esteem, concentration, cooperation, and other life skills: (1) recognize every child's potential; (2) encourage children; (3) give specific feedback; and (4) provide appropriate challenges. (SD)