Tested competing causal models concerning the relationship between children's social behaviors and theory of mind in 3- and 4-year-olds tested 3 times over 7 months. Found that false belief performance predicted joint planning and role assignment during pretend play, after taking into account initial performance on joint planning and role…

Provides a conceptual and empirical analysis of the associations between the fundamental sociometric dimensions of acceptance, rejection, and social preference. Examines whether nomination and rating scale measures index the same constructs. Notes that sociometric ratings measure social preference, but can also yield indicators of acceptance and…

Addresses six environmental variables that can influence the behaviors of young children with disabilities: theoretical orientation of the program, amount of space available, classroom arrangement, length of the play period, effects of social vs. isolate toys, and the effects of different quantities of toys. (Author/CR)

Both identity development and the establishment of enduring intimate relationships become more complex for gay, lesbian, and bisexual youth. A school-wide workshop on sexual orientation was presented by student facilitators trained by school counselors. "Hate Hurts" was the overall theme. The process of the workshop, logistics, debriefing, and…

Asserts that, for young children's development, there is no other activity as meaningful as play. Discusses how play helps in life skill development, how children learn through their senses during play, how play contributes to children's independence, how to shop for toys, and age-appropriate toys and activities. (EV)

Describes an after-school program in which 54 youth mentors worked with 584 elementary and middle-school children in small groups over a two-year period. Focuses on bonding, prosocial norms, peer influence, participant characteristics, service features, and other factors. Outcomes suggest that the program benefitted both children and mentors. (RJM)

Provides examples of programs that teach children positive behavior skills for success in life rather than resorting to traditional punishment. Looks at the Positive Education Program, Boys Town, the Westerly School District, and the New Opportunities Program. Such programs help children learn appropriate skills that replace problem behaviors.…

Characterizes the telling and learning of political jokes as a powerful socializing tool for children to learn about the world. Maintains that this activity serves as a means of storing and transmitting social knowledge as well as information about the world of public affairs. Includes some representative examples. (MJP)

Defines the "peaceable classroom" concept, in which children are taught to deal more appropriately with feelings, to solve problems, and to make good decisions. Supplies instructions for classroom lessons to be used with five 12-year-old students. Claims that these lessons can help develop a peaceable classroom environment. (MKA)

Discusses the multiple medical, dental, therapeutic, psychosocial, and early intervention needs faced by children with cleft lip and cleft plate during the first three years of life. The physiological development of children with these disabilities is described and the need for interdisciplinary team involvement is emphasized. (Author/CR)

Describes the rationale and layout of a "Magic of Multimedia" workshop, a program designed for gifted children (ages 9-12), and housed at Massey University, New Zealand. The multimedia workshop allows gifted children to use HyperStudio to investigate and communicate research findings in creative ways, and encourages social interaction.…

A study found parents perceived 20 students (ages 6-16) with Asperger syndrome as having significant deficits and weaknesses in a variety of socially related areas, while teachers perceived the students to have both fewer and less significant deficits. Self-evaluations indicate students did not believe they had significant deficits. (Contains…

Conclusions about peer-group influences on academic achievement often depend on the estimation method used to account for endogeneity of school and neighborhood choice. Using High School and Beyond Longitudinal Survey data, this paper shows that aggregation does not reduce the specification error in estimating peer-group benefits. (Contains 25…

This article reviews research on the social functioning of students with learning disabilities (LD) and draws implications for the inclusion of students with LD in regular education classrooms. Social skills, self-concept, friendships, and social networks are addressed. It argues that the social dimensions of placement decisions for these students…

Suggests that society is increasingly hostile to youth, fixating on progress and success rather than treasuring children's genuineness and carefree innocence. Recommends giving children space to grow; becoming aware of what children say, think, and want; and discovering the limitations of goodness as a goal for child behavior. (DLH)