A multicomponent intervention package that included providing information to classmates about a communication system and adapted curriculum and materials, utilizing various media designed to foster interaction, and teacher facilitation of social exchanges, increased the social inclusion of three elementary-aged students with disabilities in…

Defines emotional intelligence. Considers why and how music can be a very useful educational medium for middle school children. Describes some musical activities used for emotional learning programs. (SR)

Describes a simulation called "The Pairing Game" where students investigate the matching phenomenon. Explains that this activity demonstrates how: (1) matching on overall social value can occur by seeking the highest possible value in a partner; and (2) individuals discover their own social value through this process of mate selection. (CMK)

Discusses gaps between traditional and virtual organizational environments and suggests that electronic communication training is necessary to lessen the chance for unclear messages, to enhance faceless interactions, and avoid communication overload. Topics include interpersonal skills; verbal and nonverbal communication competencies; written…

This study examined effects of participation in an integrated play group on the social skills of two 6-year-old twins with autism. Following intervention with adult coaching, typical peers implemented the play group techniques in weekly play group sessions. The autistic subjects showed dramatic increases in shared attention to objects, symbolic…

Ntu is a pluralistic approach to psychotherapy. Framed in an Afrocentric understanding of the world, Ntu is a multifaceted, continually evolving way of conceptualizing human behavior that treats families using ancient Eastern principles of healing, New Age conceptualizations of the mind-body relationship, an Afrocentric world view, and…

Describes the sociotechnical structures of the Inquiry Learning Forum (ILF), a Web-based professional development tool designed to support a community of inservice and preservice mathematics and science teachers creating, sharing, and improving inquiry-based pedagogical practices. Highlights the change in focus from usability to sociability…

At camp, children learn values and skills that are seldom included in school curricula. The community-based environment of camps is conducive to learning self-assurance, community respect, and healthy competition, and to understanding diversity. Exposure to Nature promotes an infectious enthusiasm for the wilderness and for learning outdoor…

Service learning creates camper-centered, experiential activities in the community and brings the needs of the community into camp. Outcomes of service learning include development of critical thinking and civic responsibility, increased camper collaboration, replacement of passive instruction with active learning, and increased self-esteem. Two…

This article offers guidelines for using children's and adolescents' literature as a means of fostering social learning while developing literacy skills. It reviews the literature on teaching social skills, considers book selection, offers a model for using literature to teach social skills, suggests literature formats for teaching social skills,…

This article focuses on teaching students specific disability related self-determination skills, rather than activities that can be used with non-specified populations. In this design, lesson plans are used and suggested as a systematic means of instruction for students with deficits in learning (i.e., learning disabilities, mild mental…

Digital literacy involves more than the mere ability to use software or operate a digital device; it includes a large variety of complex cognitive, motor, sociological, and emotional skills, which users need in order to function effectively in digital environments. The tasks required in this context include, for example, "reading" instructions…

Specific language impairment is sometimes thought to be associated with concurrent difficulties in the area of social and behavioral development (N. Bolting & G. Conti-Ramsden, 2000; D. P. Cantwell & L. Baker, 1987; M. Fujiki, B. Brinton, & C. Todd, 1996; S. Redmond & M. Rice, 1998). The present study follows a group of 242…

Delaying school entry for a year is most often viewed as an opportunity for children to mature and develop critical academic, social and emotional skills prior to entering kindergarten. Many teachers view delayed school entry as a kindness to younger, less mature students who need more preparation for the rigors of formal academics in 1st grade.…

This article reviews research on the typical development of joint attention and challenges that infants and toddlers with autism experience in achieving this milestone. We define joint attention as coordinating attention to an event or object with another individual, sharing interest and social engagement, and showing an understanding that the…