Jean-Jacques Rousseau's educational and political thought is compared to that of John Locke. Rousseau's theories, as expressed in "Emile," are placed in the context of some of that author's other works to show how his educational theories can seem practical in terms of his views on social and political inequality. (PP)

Recent thinking about the components of sexual identity (biological sex, gender identity, sexual preference, and social sex role) are examined. It is argued that confusion between correlation and causality in these areas restrict the development of all children. Examples and suggestions for avoiding stereotyping of school children are given.…

Reviews research on the effects of Montessori schooling on children. Results are presented in six sections: (1) general verbal intelligence; (2) perceptual, motor, and performance IQ development; (3) academic achievement and school readiness; (4) attention, concentration, resistance to distraction, and impulsiveness; (5) Piagetian conceptual…

The author presents an overview of social development, including new findings concerning moral development and self-differentiation. Emphasis is placed on the role of peer interactions, rather than adult authority, in shaping and advancing the child's self-constructed moral values. (Editor/SJL)

A longitudinal study of first graders found that children had a more internal locus of control, were more optimistic, and scored higher on an effectance motivation measure at the end of first grade than at the beginning but attitudes and self-esteem did not change. Some changes were effected by SES and academic success. (AtuhorRD)

Linguistic and perceptual tests were administered to learning disabled readers (LDR) and normal readers (NR). Results found six LDR subgroups all significantly different. Differences were found among the six LDR subgroups on measures of oral reading, reading comprehension, and spelling skills, but not on family history and developmental…

A life-span human development model of learning in early childhood is presented. Learning is viewed as a human enterprise which spans the entire lifetime and involves interaction among people. The bounds of interaction are derived from philosophy and from the biological and social behavioral sciences. (JN)

The author examines Maria Montessori's philosophy and methods of music education for children, with its emphasis on sensory, manipulative materials and instruments designed specifically for the young child. (KC)

Provides justification for the maintenance of a university elementary school. Emphasizes the school's function as a laboratory of applied psychology and its scientific aim. Discusses the contrasting educational approaches associated with contemporary and previous psychological theory. Analyzes three stages of a child's growth to link psychological…

The inclusion of multicultural education in elementary school instructional programs provides a means for children to acquire accurate knowledge, develop positive attitudes, and learn to respect and appreciate ethnic diversity. (Author/GC)

Much research has been done on the negative effects of divorce on children. Future research should focus on how positive family functioning and support systems can facilitate the development of social, emotional, and intellectual competence in children in single parent families. (Author/GC)

Analyzes the way fairy tales reflect and clarify real-life situations, human behavior, and moral values, enabling children to contemplate powerful and urgent themes. (GT)

Some recent research is examined on childrens' perception of pictures. Implications are drawn for those who create and use illustrated childrens' books. (SJL)

The author, writing from the first-person viewpoint of a child, relates what he hopes for from school in terms of learning, respect, climate, and understanding. (KC)

A total of 122 middle-class White boys and girls aged 3 through 12 years were interviewed to determine the nature and the development of their concepts of death and the impact of experience on those concepts. (Author/BH)