The changes in evaluation of preschool programs resulting from: (1) synthesis of service delivery system and child development outcomes assessment, (2) change from a focus on a single variable to the interaction and transaction of contextual variables, and (3) change from a focus on child development outcomes to effective program elements are…

At the beginning of this course in child and adolescent psychology, students are asked to write out one question they wish answered. Using this method, professors can be responsive to student needs without sacrificing the academic integrity of their courses. (CS)

Describes the interrelationship of reading and writing and proposes a full-school program for reading and writing development that builds on the full range of personal use of written language. (JL)

Presents developmental principles with related applications for children, parents, teachers, and caregivers: (1) development takes place on an existing foundation; (2) development proceeds from general to specific; (3) development proceeds in stages; (4) developmental rates and patterns differ among individuals; (5) early years of development are…

Studied hand skill and performance in children (N=115) of left-handed parents using peg moving tasks and soccer kicks. Concluded that being raised by two left-handed parents does little to hinder the expression of the rs plus gene. Correlations for handedness in families depend more on genetics than experience. (Author/JAC)

Focuses on another aspect of intergenerational ties--extended family relations between adolescents and their grandparents. The nature of this relationship is explored, and factors affecting the quality of the relationship are discussed. The ways in which grandparents may influence the development of their adolescent grandchildren are described.…

The Erica Method, a form of play-diagnosis and play-therapy used widely in Sweden, utilizes a standardized material that consists of sandboxes and miniature toys. The method is a very useful tool for better understanding of both developmental, neurological and psychopathological problems of childhood. (Author)

The purpose of this study is to investigate the interaction of biological unfolding and culturally related factors on sequences of narrative figure drawings by American and Egyptian elementary students. Findings support hypotheses relating to the interaction of natural and nurtural influences on children's drawings. (Author/SJL)

Identifies social behaviors observed in (N=115) preschool children while manipulating various toys and materials in a preschool setting. Discusses the resulting data on toy/material use in terms of selecting physical stimuli in social behavior modification efforts for positive social interaction. (Author)

Examines Piagetian theory in relation to (1) the organizational framework of the reader, (2) the linkage of development and reading, (3) the interrelatedness of language processes, and (4) the twin influences of maturation and experience. Notes the value of Piagetian theory in building reading models and examines two "hurdles" it…

Describes the longitudinal emergence of verb inflections as observed in the speech of four American English-speaking children emphasizing occurrence of inflections, their linguistic/non-linguistic contexts, and their conditional use. Discusses results in terms of sentence relations between verbs and other constituents and the semantics of verb…

Results of an ongoing analysis of the household's choice of diet for its children under three years and how that diet relates to the child's growth. Focuses on the extent to which family income and mother's education are obstacles to the provision of adequate diets for children in poor American families. (CT)

Excessive "too-goodness" in a child can lead to obsessive neuroses which result in compulsions or ruminations. The only effective treatment is early prevention, culturally, socially, and behaviorally. Children must understand that all excesses are bad. Being bad is sometimes good. Being too good can be unhealthy. (Author/BEF)