Describes a study that showed that the role-taking ability of third-grade children increases their disposition to behave altruistically. Twenty four children were given role-taking tests and their social behavior was observed over a two-month period. (RM)

In a longitudinal study of sibling interaction, same-sex and mixed-sex pairs of siblings were observed twice in their homes. Interaction patterns remained stable over the 18 months separating the two observations. Older children initiated prosocial and combative behavior more often than younger children and submitted less often to dominant…

Early childhood educators have long recognized the value of early socialization experiences provided by the peer group. Early peer experiences contribute to social development in that the importance of cooperating, sharing, and competing among equals is learned for the first time. (JN)

This article discusses cognitive development research as it relates to social competence. Two research approaches are summarized: (1) attempts to isolate sequential stages in the development of social cognition, and (2) conceptualization of broad organizing principles hypothesized to mediate all social cognition. (Author/SJL)

The present study is concerned with whether evaluations of actors by children (ages 6 and 11) and adults indicated by allocation of rewards for actors were based on additive, discounting, or augmentation principles. Results are discussed in terms of causal schemes underlying preconventional and conventional moral judgments and the use of…

This article discusses the universal individual need to be recognized as a person, to be accepted by others, and to successfully interact with others in school and community endeavours. (JD)

Describes issues surrounding development of tolerance in young children, including relationship of moral development with cognitive development. Recognizes importance of family and other adult models, and argues that teaching about tolerance should be embedded in an inclusive approach to curriculum, with children given opportunities to make…

Freida Jacques, Onondaga clan mother, discusses the discipline of the "good mind," which involves becoming aware of your thoughts, examining the intent of your actions, and deciding whether your intent is based on love or fear and anger. Peace and healing must be achieved through forgiveness and respect. Sidebars discuss Native American…

Examined whether features of preschool children's mutual friendships were associated with prosocial and aggressive behavior. Teacher reports of friendship features showed moderate interrater reliability and were associated with teacher reports of aggression and prosocial behavior, and with peer reports of acceptance and rejection. Friendship…

Describes a systematic cooperative-based curriculum which enables students to comprehend, utilize, and internalize cooperative behaviors. Students practice specific behavioral strategies and social skills necessary for successful cooperation with others. Sample activities and lessons plans are included. (JD)

Young children are capable of prosocial behavior interactions during participation in games; and for the children who participated in the study reported in this article, games possessing cooperative goal structures resulted in more prosocial behavior interactions than games possessing competitive goal structures. (IAH)

Investigated the relationship between the self-concept of four- and five-year-old children in day care, and the frequency of their prosocial behavior. Results indicated a significant correlation between self-concept and cooperative behaviors. Self-initiated cooperative behavior was more effective than other-initiated behavior. (Author/BB)

Describes the use of dyadic tasks to examine children's prosocial behavior and the supplement information already obtained from the use of four-person tasks. Describes tasks and information obtained from observation. Warns that validity of the tasks is questionable. Suggests that tasks have the potential for use in making comparisons. (KO)

Examined the relationship between 48 4-year-olds' social competence with peers and differential aspects of their teacher child relationships over the preceding 3 years. Found that toddler security with a teacher was negatively associated with hostile aggression and was positively associated with complex peer play and gregarious, prosocial, and…

Reviews strategies and techniques to enhance prosocial development. Suggests ways for involving whole classrooms, entire school systems, parents, and communities in creating classroom and home climates for prosocial expectations and learner support. Gives specific activities, strategies, guidelines, and resources. (ET)