Reports on the beginnings of visual representation in early childhood by using longitudinal studies in both London, England and Singapore. Finds evidence to support the theory that underlying children's use and organization of visual media are certain robust forms of behavior, or deep structures. (CFR)

Explored the relationship between the developmental appropriateness of kindergarten classroom instruction and first-grade overall and individual subject area reading test averages. Found that first graders from more appropriate kindergarten classrooms had higher reading averages than children from less appropriate kindergarten classrooms. Gender…

Discusses the psychoanalytic initiative in education, where Freud encouraged expanding his work into schools. The article examines Dewey and Erikson, emphasizing how Erikson's work helps explain the meaning of being a Deweyan, considering related features of their vocations, and proposing that, despite differences, their vocations reveal shared…

This discussion of problems associated with deriving pragmatic norms for older children and adolescents presents a model for analyzing and comparing pragmatic performance across language tasks. The multilevel model involves the interrelationship of situational, discourse, and semantic contexts--knowing what, to whom, when, and how much to say. (DB)

Reports a study that investigated how kindergarten children view participation in physical education. Four students of varying skill levels were observed, interviewed, and videotaped. The students demonstrated a relentless persistence for play, which conflicted with the teacher's zone of acceptable responses. Children preferred tasks presented in…

Maintains that assessment in the arts often is avoided in the early childhood years because it appears to be incompatible with a child-centered philosophy. Asserts that reflective assessment procedures can inform early childhood teachers about instruction in arts education. (CFR)

Introduces the articles in this issue on caregivers. Emphasizes that the papers focus preferentially on the adult facilitator of early learning and development and on the relationship and interaction of adult with child, rather than exclusively on the child. Each article underlines a different facet of the important job of mentoring done by…

Examined differential treatment of siblings in families with a disabled child and other families. Assessed connections between differential treatment, both children's adjustment, and sibling relationships. Results revealed greater levels of differential treatment in families with disabled children but no context differences in the correlations…

This study compared speech and language comprehension and production between 249 very low birthweight and 363 normal birthweight 8 year olds. Although low birthweight children tended to score lower, when those with major neurological abnormalities were excluded, no significant differences were found between the two groups. However, general…

This paper describes (1) common misconceptions about developmentally appropriate practices; (2) areas in which convergence between general and special early childhood education can be achieved; and (3) current collaborative efforts between the two disciplines (e.g., individually appropriate practices, emphasis on early intervention,…

Outlines 10 misconceptions about young children and block play that discourage teachers, caregivers, and parents from using blocks. Also discusses ways in which these misconceptions can be resolved so that young children in any home or program can enjoy the benefits of regular block play. (BB)

Ways in which student assessment in the arts and humanities might be conducted in primary (elementary) schools in the United Kingdom are suggested. Characteristics of instruction in the arts and humanities that impede conventional assessment and recordkeeping are discussed. Assessments concerning students' skills, concepts, and aesthetic responses…

Describes a parent education program in a rural Pennsylvania school district that uses a learning packet that contains (1) information about child development; (2) ideas for fostering child development, especially in language; and (3) suggestions for parenting. (BB)

Research on children's perceptions of control has identified both changes and consistencies in control beliefs during childhood and early adolescence. Developmental changes in coping have also been documented. Implications of research for interventions aimed at enhancing children's problem-solving and coping skills are discussed. (SLD)

Presents key findings from a survey on direct state expenditures for child care and early childhood development services. The survey found striking disparities among the 50 states, as well as patterns of inadequate investment in every state. Recommendations are offered to increase and improve state and federal investments in such services to…