The article attempts to analyze critically the role of the modern school in the development of human potential. Based on the conducted research procedures (the focus group study of the parent community, the questionnaire survey N = 90), they determined the domination of parental position, according to which there is the lack of equal opportunity…

The human brain is plastic -- which means the brain changes its connectivity and even its structure in response to learning. This brief report highlights the following points: (1) A human's first learning experiences are foundational for later education, and experiences in the early years of life can greatly impact on later achievement; (2) Waves…

Te Kopae Piripono (TKP), Maori immersion early childhood education (ECE) centre, was recognised by the Ministry of Education in 2005 as a Centre of Innovation (COI), funding a 3-year practitioner research project which looked at whether "Whanau Development at Te Kopae Piripono fosters leadership across all levels of the whanau enhancing…

Teachers have more opportunities than other therapists to strengthen children's self-concepts and to promote mental health in students. (JD)

Discusses the reciprocal relationship between the Montessori child and teacher that provides spiritual rejuvenation to the teacher. The key to teachers' spiritual development can be found in Montessori's insights into the true nature of the child. (PAM)

Synthesizes the Montessori stages of life from birth to adulthood and provides an integrated description of Montessori educational principles. Examines the role of the teacher as learner, revolutionary, and scientist following the child through life. Identifies education as ongoing research on the laws of human development. (KB)

South American educator and author Freire discusses qualities important for the teacher, his vision of education and the growth of young children, and the role of language and reading in that vision. (HTH)

This volume is a collection of nine papers focusing on different aspects of play. The first section, "Play, Growth, Development, and Learning," contains discussions dealing with make-believe play and learning; an all-in-fun approach to thinking, playing, and language learning for young children; and ways children learn through play. The…

This response to an article regarding the tension between talent development and personal growth in gifted education argues that dissociation of these two aspects is conditional, not a constant state of affairs. Contingencies and processes responsible for the dissociation are identified and ways to integrated these two perspectives are discussed.…

This instructional booklet is part of Learning Package #1 introducing self-concept development used in conjunction with the Child Development Training Program at Bemidji, Minnesota. This booklet is divided into 4 chapters and examines the following areas: (1) basic definitions and concepts of self; (2) how and why self development occurs; (3)…

Draws upon Maria Montessori's writings to examine work as a universal human tendency throughout life. Discusses the work of adaptation of the infant, work of "psycho-muscular organism" for the preschooler, work of the imagination for the elementary child, community work of the adolescent, and work of the adult. Asserts that…

The incidence of multiple births has increased dramatically in the past two decades. Given this trend, it seems reasonable to assume that many teachers will have twins and other multiple siblings in their classes at some point in their classroom careers. This Digest offers some pointers for educators facing the challenges of educating multiples.…

This guide for teachers and parents examines child development knowledge, the origins of developmental curriculum, and approaches to implementing such a curriculum in elementary schools. Part one discusses how children develop, the historical background of developmental curricula, the differences between age level and grade level, and the…

The primary purpose of this manual is to present actual games used in programs designed to involve Head Start parents in the intellectual and social-emotional development of their children. A brief history of previous experience in working with parents of preschool children is also given. Four primary areas of concern have emerged as the work of…

This collection of essays is written for parents, professional teachers, and caregivers to enlighten the readers about preschool children's development, the role of parent and teacher, and the nature of the parent-caregiver partnership. The essays emphasize how to observe, to understand, and to intervene with preschoolers, teachers, and parents,…