Juxtaposes Erikson's theory of psychosocial development with Goldberg's concept of developmental drama. Suggests that research in this area could (1) strengthen the skills of directors, playwrights, and pedagogues and (2) offer educators and administrators a scientifically valid case for the value of children's theater in the schools. (PD)

Investigated whether a classroom-oriented intervention using selected children's books could positively effect changes in the prosocial development of children aged five to seven. Results showed positive changes in children's verbal sharing responses as a result of teacher reading and questioning. (JAC)

Reports on naturalistic research studies revealing that children begin to learn to read and write long before they go to school. (JL)

The neuromotor development of Down's syndrome (DS) infants is reviewed, current physical therapy approaches are cited, a neurodevelopmental treatment (NDT) approach is described, and a study on the effects of NDT on motor performance in DS infants is reported. (SB)

Investigated how people with congenital orthopedic disabilities intially learn that they are different and how they learn the evaluative meaning associated with being disabled. Analyzed the content of 29 autobiographies. Results indicated that people born with orthopedic disabilities discover between ages 3 and 5 that they are different. (Author)

Describes and evaluates a two-semester college-level course in pediatric psychology involving classroom and hospital experiences. Evaluations indicated that most students were very interested in the course and that many were considering careers involving chronically ill or disturbed children. (DB)

Author reviews behavior modification techniques as presented in books written to help parents rear children. Analyzes theoretical and ideological assumptions on which these parenting books are based. Concludes that these books reveal a fundamental disregard for children as persons and therefore require careful and critical evaluation. (Author/JLF)

Mothers were interviewed periodically over the first six years of their same-sex twins' lives and were asked to contrast them on specific behaviors. Intrapair contrasts were moderately stable across age spans for as long as 18 through 36 months. Genotypic similarity was apparently associated with intrapair similarity in emotionality and…

An observational study among 50 preschool children was conducted to assess the validity of experimental findings that at elementary-school age levels boys display greater mastery motivation than do girls. Generally, findings revealed that older preschoolers did, but younger preschoolers did not, show evidence of the sex effects found in previous…

Describes certain elements which can affect the fetus and the developing infant. These elements include toxins, lead poisoning, alcohol, smoking, and drugs (both legal and illegal). (Author/DB)

Suggests five basic questions that social studies classroom teachers can use to help students understand the concept of change. Questions are, "Is something different?"; "What is changing?"; "What caused the change?"; "How much do we pay for this change?"; and "Is the change worth what it costs?" Activities based on these questions are suggested.…

Results show that comprehension of word types (nouns, verbs, etc.) and linguistic structure can be orderly, producing a hierarchy of complexity similar to that found in normally hearing children. However, performance was about three years behind that of normally hearing peers. Journal availability: Elsevier North Holland, Inc., 52 Vanderbilt…

Proposes that children are especially vulnerable to parental suicide who have not resolved earlier developmental issues of separation-individuation. Five children were studied intensively. Results indicate parental suicide influences children's ego development and character formation. This trauma is heightened when mourning difficulties for the…

Aspects covered include federal support for the gifted, identification, the arts, the developmental process, and minority and disadvantaged gifted. Trends examined include cooperation between special and regular classroom teachers, more comprehensive program planning, and greater advocacy efforts. (DLS)

Examines the myths surrounding single-parent families. Discusses lifestyles, parental roles, parent-child relationships, psychological development of the child, and how these concerns affect home economics programs (knowledge, skills, coping patterns, teaching methods, the role of 4-H, stereotypes, and teachers' communication with parents). (CT)