Noting Montessori's belief that establishing peace is the work of education, describes facets of the Montessori classroom community, including safety, inclusiveness, work plans, class meetings, community service projects, realism, classroom economy, contemplation, peaceful resolution of conflict, group problem solving, mediation, the spirit and…

Two kindergarten boys with behavior problems were given "happy faces" at the beginning of each period, which were removed contingent on inappropriate behavior. Retention of a number of "happy faces" earned a large "happy face," redeemable for privileges at home. Low rates of inappropriate behavior were observed while the system was in effect.…

Focuses on ways caregivers can promote the development of empathy in young children. Discusses the role of empathy in moral development, how empathy develops, and the influence of genetics and experience. Suggests that to promote development of empathy in children, teachers can model caring behaviors, name and interpret emotions, role play helpful…

This study of fifth graders identified 22 behavioral cues to develop and test a peer-report measure of social transactions used to infer liking by peers. Sixteen of the 22 cues described positive behaviors, indicating that positive behaviors may play a more important role in relational communication among children than negative transactions. (TJQ)

Examined the self-understanding and moral judgment of 15 African American and Hispanic American adolescents nominated by community leaders for their exemplary caring behavior. These "care exemplars" were more likely than comparison adolescents to describe themselves in terms of moral personality traits and goals and to view themselves as…

Examined multiple measures of 82 young children's emotionality, regulation, and social functioning over a 2-year period, finding that social functioning was predicted by low negative emotionality and high levels of regulation. Also found that vagal tone was positively related to competent social functioning and emotionality/regulation for boys,…

Toddler triads were observed on consecutive days, with ample and scarce toy resources. Two-year-olds were more likely to resolve conflicts by sharing when toys were scarce rather than ample. Triads with older children or two boys were more likely than other triads to resolve disputes in prosocial ways. (BC)

Over one year, mothers observed the responses of their one-year-old children to distresses the children caused and witnessed in others. Children's prosocial behaviors, and reparative behaviors after they had caused distress, increased in frequency over the year. These behaviors were accompanied by changes in self-recognition. (BC)

Analyzed the differences between heroes, other characters, and themes from the Roy Rogers television show of the 1950s, and the Brave Starr show of the 1980s. Found the modern hero more prosocial, cooperative, fearful, and self-critical. The modern villain was more hostile, negative, and successful against the hero. Discusses implications for…

Assessed the effects of engaging in cooperative activities (such as sharing, engaging in dramatic play, showing affection, helping, cooperating, and taking turns) upon the prosocial behavior of 80 children in 4 kindergarten classes in Montreal, Canada. Found an increase in all prosocial behaviors except helping and turn taking. (AC)

Examined effects of neurolinguistic mirroring versus nonmirroring of selected nonverbal behaviors on empathy, trustworthiness, and positive interaction in cross-cultural setting among 60 Choctaw adolescents and Caucasian female counselors. Results indicated significant mirroring effects on the empathy scale of the Barrett-Lennard Relationship…

Rites of passage are a normal part of a young person's growth from adolescence to adulthood and many are marked with the use and abuse of alcohol. Describes three phases of the rites of passage (separation, liminal, and reincorporation) that youth undergo. Suggests that educators and advisors help them create meaningful rituals without resorting…

Describes how camp counselors can teach and guide positive camper behaviors. Desirable behaviors include getting along with others, being part of a group, increasing self-sufficiency, experiencing new things, and increasing concern for natural surroundings. Telling campers what is expected of them can be accomplished through simple statements.…

Examines the extent to which Scottish children, parents, and teachers exhibit within- and between-group consensus, both in their perceptions and relative judgments of different forms of child prosocial and antisocial behaviors, and their responses to such behaviors. Significant between-group differences are discussed in the context of teaching…

Examines the effect of inducing affect on the recall of moral transgressions and positive moral acts. Finds that negative affect is associated with higher recall of moral transgressions whereas positive affect is associated with higher recall of positive moral acts. Relates the results to two models of moral development. (DSK)