Examined the effects of a game involving cooperative interaction and symbolic play on child development in children ages six and seven. A pretest-intervention-posttest design was used with a sample of 125 experimental and 53 control subjects. Results suggest the intervention stimulated significant improvement in social behavior and in some…

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…

Observed preschool children's social interactions with teachers and peers in the context of moral and prudential events. Four types of moral transgressions were observed--physical harm, psychological harm, property loss, and property damage--with the majority of transgressions pertaining to physical harm and property loss. Found gender differences…

Examined social skill deficits in incarcerated (n=31) and nonincarcerated (n=31) adolescent males. Found family variables of structure and functioning correlated with social skills. Found significant relationship between social skill deficits and group membership. Family structure was related to group membership as well. Several social skill…

Evaluation of peer relations of 53 intermediate grade students participating in a pull-out enrichment program found that these children, relative to classmates, were evaluated positively by peers, demonstrated greater awareness of reciprocity in friendship relationships, and were perceived less often as either an aggressor or victim of aggression.…

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)

Exemplary principals are hard to find. School executives should know their school demographics and seek candidates who understand students' socioeconomic backgrounds and sparkle with goodness and high intelligence. Interviewers must also consider candidates' credentials (particularly internships and assessment center evaluations) and select…

This article describes strategies to assist toddlers with special needs in inclusive settings to acquire social interaction skills. Strategies include: (1) arranging the environment; (2) group affection activities; (3) imitation of peers; (4) teacher prompts; (5) teacher reinforcement; (6) correspondence training; and (7) peer-mediated…

An individualized physical activity program with a strong social skills component was implemented with 45 students (ages 8 to 10) with learning disabilities. Participants' gains in self-ratings of competence and teacher ratings of social behavior were no larger than gains of control students receiving comparable attention through individualized…

New Zealander educators are using computer and multimedia technologies effectively to help students with physical and intellectual disabilities make significant learning advancements. Using computers can provide special-needs students with recognition and support and can enhance self-esteem, self-confidence, and motivation. Tips are provided for…

The value of teaching and modeling respect in the classroom is addressed for both general and special education. Six scenarios are covered, including modeling respect for another adult entering the classroom, modeling respect for a student's concerns, modeling respect in giving attention to a speaker, and others. (SW)

Identifies salient characteristics of learning disabilities, how learning disabilities affect individuals in social relationships, and how groups can be used to effectively facilitate individual growth. This is achieved due to therapeutic factors such as universality, instillation of hope, altruistic information sharing, and group interaction.…

According to Irene Dixon-Darnell, a 75-year-old great-grandmother who runs a chess-education program in the Washoe (Nevada) County Schools, chess can win-over some difficult students. She believes the ancient game of strategy teaches children to focus, encourages them to think critically and creatively, and even cures emotional wounds. Research…

Maintains that group activities in the classroom can be beneficial both socially and academically for students. Presents a six-step plan for helping students develop social skills while working in cooperative groups. Discusses classroom management, grading, and lesson structure issues related to cooperative learning. (CFR)

This study examined effects of a social skills intervention with 73 students (ages 11 to 15) with mild intellectual disabilities. The intervention, consisting of a computer-supported program, teacher-guided work, small-group discussions, and transfer to real-life conflicts, was found to result in social competence gains, compared to control…