Compares auditory/visual practice to visual/motor practice in spelling with seven elementary school learning-disabled students enrolled in a resource room setting. Finds that the auditory/visual practice was superior to the visual/motor practice on the weekly spelling performance for all seven students. (MG)

The study evaluated positional concepts and balance performance in 67 blind/visually impaired children, age 6-13, to determine the most important conditioning factors. The study also evaluated the effects of 2 pedagogical situations: 1 with more cognitive activity and less motor activity, and the other with more motor activity and less cognitive…

Relevant orientation and mobility (OM) skills for visually impaired infants foster sensory, motor, and conceptual development. OM personnel need to consider alternative teaching models, personnel preparation needs, sensory aids issues, and research issues. (DB)

Investigated the physical activity of 514 children enrolled in nursery schools and day care centers. Among study results are findings that preschool children are not engaged in vigorous physical activity year round, boys are more physically active than girls, and children in nursery school are more physically active than children in day care. (RJC)

Discusses improvements in playground design and how playgrounds for young children can be further improved by more focus on gross-motor, social, dramatic, and constructive play. Also examines the largely negative role of activity panels that many playground companies include on their structures, noting that such panels often present academic…

Bayley's major contributions to developmental psychology are reviewed. These include her concern with measurement and methodology and her early anticipation of such topics as behavior genetics. Her work in such areas as androgyny and body build, motor and mental development, and maternal and child behaviors is summarized. (LB)

Describes the interdisciplinary research of Myrtle B. McGraw; examines the controversy about McGraw's concept of critical period; and assesses her impact on current research. McGraw contended that the overlapping phases involved in neuromuscular integration demonstrate that learning and maturation interact during development. (BC)

Acoustic and video data tracing the development of intrasyllabic coarticulation suggest that young children (n=30; ages three, five, and eight) and adults (n=10) produce similar patterns of anticipatory coarticulation, and perceptual data indicate that coarticulatory cues in the speech of three year olds are less perceptible than those of the…

Future investigations of motor expertise should be closely tied to conceptual developments in the motor control and learning field. Selection of methods for studying motor expertise can be guided by thorough consideration of the philosophical underpinnings of prevailing and emerging approaches. The paper discusses cognitive and ecological…

Explores kinesthetic and musical intelligences. Emphasizes the importance of understanding the physical reality of the body and sensory receptors as well as the dimensions of feeling and expression. Summarizes Tomatis's interpretation of the auditory and vestibular functions of the ear. Conveys the community and spiritual values of music, dance,…

Sensory and motor experiences are essential in childhood and are the foundation for all higher level learning and skill acquisition. This paper examines how young children make sense of sensory experiences, focusing on infants and toddlers, preschoolers, and school-age children. It also looks at the importance of creating an environment rich in…

A study of 41 preschool males with fragile X and 16 age- and IQ-matched controls were rated by their mothers on behavior rating scales. The males with fragile X syndrome were distinguished from controls in the following areas: motor skills deficits, increased initial avoidance, decreased social withdrawal, and positive mood. (Contains references.)…

A follow-up study examined cognitive and motor development in 52 children prenatally exposed to cocaine (ages 48-64 months) and 52 typical children. Results found that the children who were prenatally exposed to cocaine continued to exhibit problems in expressive and receptive language areas. (Contains references.) (Author/CR)

A study examined cognitive and motor development in 56 toddlers prenatally exposed to cocaine (ages 12-27 months) and 56 typical toddlers. Infants prenatally exposed to cocaine experienced developmental problems in expressive and receptive language areas. In addition, there was a possible relationship between cocaine exposure and subsequent…

Examines why early development of motor skills is important, and presents easily implemented activities for 3- to 5-year-old children. Provides practical ideas for using large-muscle activities in both indoor and outdoor settings. Specific activities focus on use of balloons, blankets, and balls to achieve development. (SD)