Contends that cultural practices such as carrying the baby on the mother's back for prolonged periods can impact negatively on development of visual integration during the sensorimotor stage pathways by preventing adequate or enough crawling. Maintains that crawling is essential for cross- modality integration and that higher mental functions may…

In response to a paper on risk and resilience models in learning disabilities (LD) research, this article supports the author and suggests areas of research, especially identification of risk and protective factors in children with LD. Application to analysis of friendship strategies is described. Also noted is longitudinal research to identify…

A study examined the relationships among 109 children's creative performances in three domains and the relationships between those children's general creative thinking skills and their creative performances. Three case studies also examined domain-specificity of creativity. Results found considerable intra-individual variation in creativity…

Describes evolution of the Montessori perspective as Montessori adolescent programs attempt to reinforce the elementary and early childhood stages. Asserts that although development of these programs is experimental and undefined, a crystallization point around the whole of Montessori may occur amid diverse implementation. Asserts that Montessori…

Reviews Maria Montessori's view of sensitive periods and examines the kinds of help needed from adults: an open mind, specific help from a prepared learning environment, and challenges presented at the right time. Stresses the universality of sensitive periods and their connection to brain development. Focuses on the unconscious nature and…

This study used data from the Panel Study of Income Dynamics and its 1997 supplement to examine how family income matters for preschool children's development. Findings indicated that the association between family income and children's achievement test scores was mediated by the family's ability to invest in providing a stimulating learning…

Argues that the continuing expansion of teaching English to young learners (TEYL) brings challenges to the wider English language teaching field (ELT). Discusses why starting younger may not bring automatic improvement to language standards unless teacher education and secondary language teaching both rise to the challenges of the new situation.…

This study evaluated the effectiveness of Prelinguistic Milieu Teaching for toddlers (n=39) with intellectual disabilities and responsivity education for their parents as a means of facilitating children's communication and language production skills. Comparison of parent child pairs receiving or not receiving the intervention found the…

A study examined the provision of programs in physical education (PE) for three students with special education needs in an Australian elementary school. The model of subject matter, access, and personnel within a supportive school curriculum framework in the provision of PE operated differently for each student. (Contains references.) (CR)

Four workshops focus on nutrition for infants and children in child care settings. Articles are: (1) "Nutrition and Child Development: Global Perspectives" (Jacqueline Hayden); (2) "Working with Families around Nutritional Issues" (Wayne Eastman); (3) "Breastfeeding Promotion in Child Care" (Laura Dutil Aird); and (4) "Food as Shared…

Studied 82 maltreating and normative families to determine whether reported maltreated children and their siblings differ in terms of maltreatment and/or developmental anomalies. Findings indicated reported abused children and their siblings were similar in stressful life experiences, quality of home environment, reported behavior problems, and…

The article proposes a strategy for the assessment of young children with handicaps in which brief clinical sampling is used to document developmental skills. This information may then be used in designing intervention programs. Principles and techniques of brief clinical sampling are described and application examples are given. (Author/DB)

The self-perceptions of 86 learning disabled students in grades 3 through 8 were investigated using the Perceived Competence Scale for Children of S. Harter (1982). Results indicate that social comparison processes are important in the formation of learning disabled students' perceived academic competence. (SLD)

The article looks at trends in early childhood mainstreaming of children with disabilities. Specific discussions focus on implementation, the perspectives of parents, and the development of friendships and peer relations in mainstreamed settings. A convergence among public policy, educational practice, and developmental principles and research is…

Describes a child discipline seminar designed for parents who are unaware of alternatives to corporeal punishment. Session topics include: (1) the definition of discipline; (2) major theories of child development; (3) parenting styles and their behavior outcomes in children; (4) common discipline techniques; (5) a model for handling negative…