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…

An observational project on children's early literacy examined conditions necessary for growth in literacy; ways children evidence their need for personal control through literacy; the social functions of literacy for young children; and how children manipulate and play with language. (TJQ)

Illustrates the important role that fathers play in their infants' social and emotional development. Notes that not only are infants more socially responsive when they are securely attached to both mother and father but such a secure attachment to the father can help to prevent harmful consequences of insecure attachments. (HTH)

Defines a value system as a universal, prolonged, consistent structure of priorities that defines an individual's life plan. Reports on a study of individual values among 3,154 Russian adults in 3 major cities. Identifies four generalizations based on the data about social values and social change in Russia. (CFR)

Social competence of 239 students with and without learning disabilities (LD) was followed from kindergarten through fifth grade. Students with LD demonstrated the same trends in social competence as non-LD students. Students with LD differed significantly from average-high-achieving non-LD students on social skills and behavior problems, but not…

Reviews strategies and techniques to enhance prosocial development. Suggests ways for involving whole classrooms, entire school systems, parents, and communities in creating classroom and home climates for prosocial expectations and learner support. Gives specific activities, strategies, guidelines, and resources. (ET)

Investigated effects of day-care quality--in interaction with child and family characteristics--on socioemotional development at 29 months and again at 4 years. Results showed a main effect of day-care quality on expressions of positive emotions. Interactive effects were demonstrated for several of the other indicators of socioemotional…

Discusses elements of high-quality play related to time, space, experiences, and materials. Also discusses effective methods of adult-child interaction in the play setting and the importance of adults being very conscious of their role in the endeavor. (JW)

Suggests that the educational system in the United States needs to undergo significant reform. Specifically, education should be viewed not only as a means to an end that teaches basic skills for employment but also as a process that enhances social development and self-actualization. (MDM)

Calls for a "renaissance in civility," discussing definitions of civility and the need to encourage manners and responsible behavior in children and adolescents. Argues that it is essential that elementary school children develop social awareness and social skills and that secondary school students be encouraged to take a more active part in their…

Surveys the literature on the importance of social skills acquisition. Cites factors that influence social competence formation, including parental characteristics and quality of preschool care or interventions. Suggests that students lacking social competence risk peer rejection, academic failure, and later social and emotional problems. Includes…

Examines the differences between Gordon Allport's and W. E. B. DuBois's theories on the origins of prejudice and the impact of discrimination on the personality and social development of blacks. The article argues that prejudice is a historically developed process, not a universal feature of human psychology. Implications for U.S. race relations…

Relationships were examined between measures of shyness and self-esteem for 53 preschool children. Shyness was negatively related to a self-esteem rating and to a measure of the child's expectations of self-efficacy in performing motor tasks. Continued attention to early shyness in empirical, theoretical, and practical work is suggested. (Author)

Studied effects of previous amount of day care on social adjustment of children in kindergarten. Parents provided child histories; children were later assessed by teachers, peers, and observers. Children with higher day care (in 0-1, 1-4, and 4-5 years categories) scored higher on negative adjustment and lower on positive adjustment assessments in…

Discusses the effects of gender segregation, which emerges in early childhood, on later adolescent and adult relationships. Suggests that communication and power relations in male-female relationships are likely to be influenced by gender differences in social norms. Provides recommendations for parents and teachers interested in encouraging…