Investigates trends in the number, types, topics, and sources of research articles published on blindness and early childhood development, 1980-1991. Most articles utilized descriptive methodology, covered a range of topics, were not databased, and were published in medical journals or Dissertation Abstracts International. (SM)

Underscores the importance of the physical and social environment experienced by infants and young children. Notes major conclusions emanating from international conferences on environmental education. Defines "environment," contends that environmental education must be interdisciplinary, compares rural and urban environments, stresses the…

Examined problem-solving strategies used by fourth and fifth graders in solving simple LOGO computer programing problems, and investigated relationships between those strategies and students' domain knowledge and cognitive style. Findings supported a diversity of cognitive styles and suggest a possible knowledge-based explanation for differences…

This paper, which introduces the theme issue, examines the concept of children "at risk" and proposes a framework which includes not only risk but also opportunity factors in child behavior and development. A table presents 30 variables influencing human development and functioning, with associated risk and opportunity factors. (DB)

Advances in the neurosciences, biomechanics, and behavior sciences, along with attempts to integrate theories and findings across these disciplines, have led to a renewed interest in the study of motor development. Considers the contributions that have led to the reinvigoration of this field of study and its new interdisciplinary outlook. (MDM)

Grandparents' and mothers' drug use predicted hyperactivity, psychosomatic complaints, and social problems for boys, and acting-out behaviors for boys and girls. Maternal drug use predicted fearfulness, hyperactivity, and social problems for boys, and developmental problems for boys and girls. (BC)

Two forms of the Battelle Developmental Inventory, intended for use with handicapped and nonhandicapped children ages 0-8, are examined. The instruments measure personal-social, adaptive, motor, communication, and cognitive skills, for use in screening, diagnosis, identification, assessment, and program evaluation. The paper discusses test…

Discusses the need of young children for strong social bonds with family and other caregivers to withstand stressful early childhood experiences. Briefly describes parent education programs in Chicago and Washington, DC, that give parents information on how to deal with their children's problems in and out of school. (FMW)

Explores the challenge of keeping parents involved in their children's education beyond the elementary school years. Suggests the invitational model as proactive approach for keeping parents involved in the lives of their children, particularly during the transition years of middle school education. As background, discusses nature of…

This literature review describes physical and behavioral characteristics of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome and Fetal Alcohol Effects that impact these children's educational needs. Suggestions and strategies are presented to satisfy these needs, along with examples of programs that are necessary to assure that these individuals will have the best possible…

Recent work on memory independence and memory interference in cognitive development has been conducted under fuzzy trace theory. Both memory-to-reasoning and reasoning-to-memory interferences were detected in 3 studies of inferences from stories by 94 4- and 5-year olds and 94 7- and 8-year olds. (SLD)

Arguing that cognitive development involves both conceptual and semiotic achievements, the authors emphasize the distinctness of semiotic issues and develop a differentiated appreciation of semiotic aspects of cognition, particularly in elementary mathematics cognition. Semiotic analyses are provided of differences between counting, adding, and…

Examined the effects of narrative statements used to evoke imaginal elaborations on children's recall. Found that children generated images that involved multiple referents and that children's memory performance was facilitated when their imaginal constructions were based on material created by themselves rather than on descriptions provided by…

Presents interview with Dr. Violent Oaklander, experienced child therapist and author of "Windows to Our Children: A Gestalt Therapy with Children and Adolescents." Discusses critical components of successful therapy with children. Explains how developmental stage of child affects therapeutic process, and provides specific examples of working with…

Discusses building an outdoor obstacle course with found materials to enhance static playground equipment and promote developmentally appropriate play activity for 3- to 8-year olds. Discusses developmental and learning goals of obstacle courses; includes photographs of building equipment and sample layouts. Encourages enlisting children to help…