Presents salient features of workshop discussion on encouraging social collaboration through play. Main topics covered are: theories and play; play and the curriculum, including evidence that play-based curricula are developmentally appropriate, desirable educational outcomes; and promoting the value of play, including Parten's typology, grouping,…

A study of 20 gifted children (ages 9-14) provides the basis of a model of social and emotional adjustment to stressors presented in this article. Intrapersonal, family, school, and peer influences, as well as functional and dysfunctional patterns of social and emotional adjustment, are explained within the framework of the model. (Author/CR)

The cause of school and marriage failure is that most people practice stimulus-response psychology. Choice theory helps nurture the warm, supportive human relationships that students need for school success and couples need for marital success. Satisfying four basic psychological needs (for belonging, power, freedom, and fun) helps humans create…

Examined whether generalization about prosocial style of well-accepted children applies to conflicts involving rights infraction. Interviewed fourth- and fifth-graders about strategies for handling situations in which a peer infringes on their rights. Found that well-accepted children were neither aggressive nor particularly prosocial in conflict…

At a private high school in Providence, Rhode Island, students benefit from Big Brother and Sister programs, peer mediation, and lessons in emotional intelligence across the curriculum. These activities are part of a comprehensive social and emotional education program called "Success for Life." For nearly 20 years, seniors have been…

Discusses factors associated with the development of secure and insecure mother-infant attachments and reviews results from intervention studies designed to promote secure attachment. Presents recommendations for early interventions to promote secure attachment that can be carried out by practitioners in a variety of settings. (CR)

Responding employers from two business samples (286 of 2,700 and 67 of 400) perceived a lack of desired competencies in entry workers. High school graduates rated no higher than 3.07 and college graduates 3.89 on a 7-point scale. Social competencies (sociability, responsibility, self-management, integrity, self-esteem) were thought in need of most…

Recreation and park personnel can be influential in beginning a concerted and systematic effort to develop anger- and aggression-management programs for youth. The article outlines examples of anger- and aggression-control program content, typical training procedures, possible program sessions, and organizational implementation. (SM)

The Autism Spectrum Disorders Outcome Study is tracking the educational progress of 67 students (ages 2-6) with autism. Initial results, based on the first 16 months of the study, indicate the majority of children have made significant progress in social interaction, expressive speech, and use of language concepts. (Contains references.)…

A study investigated the effectiveness of an 8-week social skills intervention targeting nonverbal communication for eight adolescents with Asperger syndrome. Although minimal nonverbal communication skills development was apparent, some social relationships were developed and the ability of some participants to read the nonverbal communication of…

A Communication Opportunity Group Scheme, which develops formal language and thinking, has been successful in enhancing the performance of a wide range of pupils with and without disabilities. Evidence is presented to illustrate its successful use with 24 children with inappropriate behavior and limited social interaction. (Contains references.)…

Considers where journalism educators should focus when they design editing curriculum. Examines what professors say is important for students to know about editing. Compares what professors at accredited programs say about necessary skills with what professional copy editors say is important. Concludes that professors and professionals are largely…

A study compared United Kingdom classrooms containing nurture groups and typical classrooms (n=8). Teachers' verbal and nonverbal communications in the nurture group were much more positive and more likely to enhance the self-esteem of pupils (ages 5-7). Communication of typical classroom teachers were less likely to foster positive self-esteem.…

Reports the view and perceptions of approximately 1,000 Welsh and English students in their final two years of compulsory schooling focusing on self-efficacy, goal orientation and motivation, stress, and interpersonal skills. Finds that most students were positive about their school, their futures, and their perceived control of their life. (CMK)

This article discusses supporting friendship formation in young children with autism. Strategies for facilitating friendships are discussed and include creating opportunities for displaying special talents and abilities; discovering common interests; adapting the curriculum and available materials; and recognizing the importance of school to home…