The classroom represents a complex socio-cultural environment where emotions emerge as a result of instruction, learning, and interpersonal transactions. Teachers' ability to recognize, regulate, and respond to emotions in the classroom has powerful consequences for students' behavior, learning, and the teacher's own well-being. In order to be…

Classroom research has typically focused on the role of teaching practices and the quality of instruction in children's academic performance, motivation and adjustment--in other words, classroom interactions initiated by the teacher. The present article presents a model of classroom interactions initiated by the child, that is, the notion that a…

Affective responses of two year olds to their day care teachers' affectionate and caregiving behaviors were observed during free play times. Teacher behaviors were affectionate and caregiving physical contact, affectionate words, smiling, and use of questions and instructions. Smiling was the behavior most likely to elicit positive responses from…

Investigates the influence of children's affective dispositions and knowledge of emotions on their ability to use nonaggressive conflict resolution strategies, exploring connections between autonomy and socioemotional development. Finds that individual differences in affective dispositions and emotional knowledge influence children's abilities to…

Notes the unique historical features of the field of early childhood education that have contributed to its traditionally emotion-focused quality, and the reasons this focus is declining. Introduces the articles in this issue and how they address topics connected with this shift in focus. (HTH)

This presentation explores the dimensions of interaction, engagement, and collaboration possible between clinicians and teachers as it relates to changes in education necessary for our time. The authors attempt to identify educational goals, based upon our changing concepts of man as a social being, to serve in considering the contribution of…