Assessing readiness among young children today implies undertaking a broad range of observations and activities in an atmosphere where children can feel comfortable and interested. Until recently, readiness meant readiness for reading. A mental age of six and a half was accepted as the prerequisite for beginning reading instruction. There has…

This review of the literature on the "only child" indicates that the single child is likely to be oriented more toward adults than towards peers, to be subjected more to an adult culture, to be an achiever who strikes out on his own, and to have a heightened sense of responsibility compared with children who have siblings. Statistics…

The PACE project is directed to all students in grades 4-6 in the Mehlville School District (S-. Louis, Mo.). The major purpose of the project is to involve students in an enrichment program to develop skills in self-understanding and in effective communication with parents and others, and is based on the idea that there is a need for a more…

The PACE project is directed to all students in grades 4-6 in the Mehlville School District (St. Louis, Mo.). The major purpose of the project is to involve students in an enrichment program to develop skills in self-understanding and in effective communication with parents and others, and is based on the idea that there is a need for a more…

The PACE project is directed to all students in grades 4-6 in the Mehlville School District (St. Louis, Mo.). The major purpose of the project is to involve students in an enrichment program to develop skills in self-understanding and in effective communication with parents and others and is based on the idea that there is a need for a more…

Presented are case histories of two Down's Syndrome (Mosaic form) 6- and 10-year-old girls who attended regular Montessori classes. General characteristics of Down's Syndrome and other retarded children are reviewed and compared with the two girls' growth and development (according to Piaget's proposed stages). The Montessori emphasis on sensorial…

This paper presents the findings from a trip to England, Denmark, Sweden, and Holland which was designed to investigate how hospitals in these countries facilitate children's healthy development during the stress of hospitalization. The areas specifically discussed are: (1) initiating and reinforcing family involvement; (2) meeting children's need…

As a follow-up to a recommendation for lowering the age for membership in 4-H to six years, a study of the characteristics of the six- to eight-year old age group was undertaken. The nine developmental tasks identified by Havighurst as being the main tasks facing this group were used as an outline for a discussion of tasks and characteristics…

The project consisted of several independent sub-experiments focusing on factors that affect moral reasoning among young children. Preschool children, following brief training programs, reasoned more maturely about intentionality, punishment, sanctions following behavior, relativity, and immanent justice. Two methods of training were compared. In…

If a toy is classed as "educational," some demonstrable educational outcome ought to result from playing with it. Formerly, games and toys designated as "educational" were often strategies for painlessly imparting school subjects to children. Today, "developmental skills" or "readiness experiences" are typical objectives of many of the toys on the…

There are many myths about young children based on the definition of creativity as an innate capacity for openness to experience. This definition of creativity as a personality trait or attitude (creativity as expressiveness) has little relationship to creativity as the making of original and socially valuable products. Studies of children's art…

A good playground stimulates a child by offering a variety of interesting, challenging, and rewarding activities. Children learn from play and what they learn can be controlled by careful design of playgrounds. Topics discussed include theories of equipment; design; playground planning and concern for the needs of children, parents, and community;…

The importance of parenting roles and home environments on the young child's learning is given support through an examination of current child development research and contemporary sociological theory. Some methods that can be employed by the child care professional to facilitate parent involvement and awareness include: (1) interaction groups…

This paper investigates three issues vital to early childhood education: (1) sources of curriculum, (2) sources of financial support, and (3) the relationship between racism and compensatory education. "Natural" childhood and child development theories are discussed, and their use as a source of curriculum for young children is questioned, as is…

On the assumption that there will be a national program of day care for preschool children, the author presents the major issues involved. An attempt is made to bring together some figures on current need and available facilities, to examine policy considerations in the implementation of programs, to present some difficulties in providing adequate…