After reading a vignette describing a child's emotional problems, parents rated their perceptions of responsibility and acceptable treatments. Mothers, fathers, and teachers were seen as more responsible for younger rather than older children's problems. Older children were considered responsible for their own problems. Teachers were viewed as…

A study evaluated a more-to-less, child-directed continuum of intervention to increase toy play among six toddlers with multiple disabilities. Toddlers were provided with repeated choices of preferred toys in a child-directed manner. Nonprompted toy play for two toddlers increased. Toy play also increased for another child after staff prompts and…

A study examined the long- and short-term spectral characteristics of speech simultaneously recorded at the ear and at a reference microphone position. Twenty adults and 26 children (ages 2-4) produced 9 short sentences. Children's vocal levels were low in amplitude at both the ear and at the microphone position. (Contains references.) (CR)

This article summarizes the early development of the visual system within the context of the other sensory systems and preterm birth and relates this information to early intervention. Retinopathy of prematurely, ocular defects, cortical visual impairment and potential impact of the neonatal intensive care unit environment are discussed. (Contains…

This article explores the idea of toddler independence from a Montessori perspective. Integrated with increasing competence in daily living, independence is defined in terms of toileting, dressing and undressing, eating and food preparation, plant and animal care, clothes washing, sweeping, gardening, and putting oneself to sleep. (Author/KB)

This discussion of phenomenological research methods examines the importance of secrets in children's development of self-identity, autonomy, independence, and maturity; the experience of recognition in children and its relationship to teaching, learning, and child development; and Alzheimer's dementia and the relationship between memory and sense…

Focuses on major themes in Vygotsky's theory of learning and development; compares the theoretical and practical implications of these major principles with those of Montessori. Considers both Vygotsky's and Montessori's views on the mechanisms of child development and methods of study; the relationship of teaching, learning, and development;…

Examines how young children in preschools use the criterion of movement to determine whether an object, in this case plants, is living or non-living. Reports that children presented a conceptual change classifying the plant as alive using explanations including dependence on environment and other functions. Includes references. (CMK)

Comparisons were made of intelligence and developmental quotients for young autistic children (n=216) at initial assessment and reassessment at least two years later. Five-year follow-up data were then gathered to evaluate the relationship between stability of scores and age at initial assessment, severity of delay, and type of test. (Author/PB)

Introduces the special issue on minority children and briefly discusses what it means to be a member of a minority group in the United States. (PCB)

The developing relationship between children's metacognition and reading comprehension was examined for 87 third and 84 fifth graders. Students using the experimental curriculum--Informed Strategies for Learning--made significant gains in metacognition and the use of reading strategies when compared with control students. (TJH)

Discusses the ability of books to transmit nourishment to the mind and spirit, the importance of fostering reading skills and habits in young children, and the danger of subordinating language and books to inert machinery in education. The roles of parents, schools, libraries and society as a whole are explored. (CLB)

This study examined children's recognition memory for descriptions of maladjusted behaviors displayed by hypothetical peers. Children were also asked about the desirability of these hypothetical peers as friends. (PCB)

Summarizes the contents of this special issue, discussing the major themes and issues addressed in the articles. Covers the following topics: (1) research agenda; (2) nature-nurture question; (3) knowledge base on child development; (4) societal changes; and (5) societal multiculturalism. (Author/BJV)

Examines the contributions of free play, the role of the teacher in planning and promoting free play, and the experiential background of children that promotes play activities. Discusses the importance of providing a variety of play materials, and lists the criteria for selecting equipment. (RS)