Suggests using books to nurture development of children's positive self-images by employing Narrative Therapy, a family therapy technique. Discusses guidelines to help children behave in more socially mature ways. Defines terms used in Narrative Therapy and gives examples of techniques. Lists children's books by therapy category and suggests ways…

When interscholastic athletic programs enhance students' intellectual and social development, athletic participation becomes a valuable educational experience. Achieving success in our society requires much more than attaining academic success. The positive relationship between interscholastic athletics and educational performance should…

Research on humans and monkeys is reviewed that supports the view that the medial temporal lobe, and, perhaps more specifically the amygdala, is the neural substrate underlying social deficits in autism. The relationship of early medial temporal lobe lesions to memory and socioemotional behavior is reviewed, as are the roles of the amygdala and…

A study assessed the utility of a social story intervention to improve the lunchtime eating behaviors of an adolescent with Asperger syndrome. The social story program resulted in a decrease in the number of food and drink skills and an increase in the frequency of appropriate mouth-wiping during school lunch. (Contains references.) (Author/CR)

Describes the work and organization of the Center, which focuses on strengthening the capacity of child care and Head Start programs to improve social and emotional outcomes for young children. Specifically examines two main activities: creation of a series of What Works Briefs and development of a set of comprehensive training modules. (SD)

Daniel Goleman, author of the bestseller "Emotional Intelligence," spoke at the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development annual conference about children's declining emotional health indicators. He noted that emotional well-being predicts success in academic achievement, employment, marriage, and physical health; and that…

Discusses a study of 103 young children at risk of developing serious behavioral and emotional problems. Describes strategies for classroom management, academic enhancement, and social development that can be implemented in general education classrooms to prevent the development of serious emotional and behavioral problems in children. (CR)

Research shows that a good kindergarten is child-centered, not academically oriented. Teachers in child-centered classrooms encourage kids to make choices, help them stretch for the next learning level, and attend to their social and emotional development. Kindergarten should be an extension of preschool, not a jump start on first grade. Current…

Highly sanitized curricula and instructional approaches restrict the self-development needed to promote societal well-being. This problem is exacerbated in the early grades, where discussion of controversial social issues seemingly contradicts the goal of maintaining an emotionally safe classroom environment. This article examines how three…

Argues that apparent incompatibilities between social exchange and developmental perspectives can be resolved by using evolutionary theories to extend the logic of social exchange. Discusses the implications of an expanded evolutionary perspective on social exchange and development, proposing that developmental context and genetic relatedness may…

This article proposes guided viewing of film as a strategy through which teachers and counselors may assist young gifted students in gaining helpful insights to deal with problems. It presents a theoretical foundation for this approach, a variety of strategies for implementation, and recommended films appropriate for gifted students. (Contains…

A study involving 14 mothers with high-functioning children (ages 8-17) with autism and 14 with typical children found both groups tended to have same-gender and same-age friendships. However, friendships of children with autism differ compared with typical children's on number of friends, friendship duration, frequency of meetings, and…

This article reviews various theories for difficulties in socioemotional functioning experienced by many deaf persons. It then proposes a 3-level model which focuses on: (1) intrapsychic processes such as self-concept; (2) reciprocal interactions between the person and the social environment; and (3) resulting memories and expectancies that affect…

Reviews research on the appropriateness of computer use with young children. Discusses the effects computer use on children's lives, interaction, social and emotional development, learning and thinking in mathematics, and the implications for teachers. (KHR)

Measured the psychosocial development of college students with and without learning disabilities using the Student Developmental Task and Lifestyle Inventory. Found significant differences between groups in terms of their academic autonomy and mature interpersonal relationships. (EV)