This handbook is a compendium of current research findings in early childhood education (ECE) and contains 33 essays, divided into 4 parts, by leading scholars in the field. After a brief introduction, part 1 addresses child development and early education in five chapters: "Cognitive Development and ECE"; "Motor Development and…

This annual report presents six research articles on child development. The articles and their authors are: (1) "Beyond Psychological Limits: Applying Human Development in Education" (John Kirkland); (2) "Beyond Reductionism: Directions toward Understanding Children" (Frank Self); (3) "A Psychometric Examination of the…

The purpose of a 1992 course on emergent literacy in early childhood education was to formulate a shared definition of literacy; create awareness of the developmental process involved; test previous assumptions, methods, and techniques in the light of new knowledge; and develop pedagogic approaches and curricula relevant to the existing conditions…

In November 1997, Washington University and the Parents as Teachers National Center hosted a forum on how to apply neuroscience research to the field of education. The forum focused primarily on language acquisition in young children, which is fundamental to early learning and development and to later school success. The 110 participants included…

Noting that by playing with their child, parents create a bond of intimacy important for the child's healthy development, this book describes developmental events in a baby's first 12 months and suggests play activities and their developmental purpose. Organized in a month-by-month format, the first part of each chapter presents an overview of…

Between 2 and 3 years of age, children make dramatic strides in every facet of development. This book describes how 2-year-olds see themselves, how they get along with others, and how they learn language, begin to play imaginatively, and explore their surroundings. The book also provides ideas for games and activities that parent and child can…

This document consists of the first three issues (1997 output) or the serial "Early Development." The publisher of this journal, the Frank Porter Graham Child Development Center at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, has more than 60 state and federally funded projects, most of which focus on early childhood development of…

This paper addresses common concerns of parents about the social development of gifted children. It stresses the importance of three key factors: (1) a responsive home environment where the child is respected; (2) opportunities to relate to other gifted children, especially during the early years, when self-concept is formed; and (3) opportunities…

There is a growing awareness today of the critical impact of the preschool years on a child's later academic success. Some studies indicate that many children today are less well prepared for school than were children beginning school 5 years ago. This publication examines what is known about school readiness; discusses the reasons why some…

This collection of six articles focuses on the importance of play in the education of young children. First, Martine Mauriras-Bousquet provides examples from her work in Asia and Africa to stress the need to preserve children's free play in order to safeguard their cultural identity. Next, Jayananda Ratnaike lists a variety of ways in which…

Prepared as a contribution to the World Summit for Children organized by the United Nations in New York in September 1990, this report highlights and promotes commitment at the highest political level for goals and strategies that ensure the survival, protection, and development of children. As part of the process of looking beyond survival and of…

This paper reviews the research on dissociation and the development of psychopathology in children and adolescents. Definitions and dimensions of dissociation are addressed, noting its range from normative daydreaming to the extremes found in individuals with multiple personality disorder. Memory dysfunctions, disturbances of identity, passive…

This report discusses the effects of lead exposure and toxicity on children's cognitive development and school performance and addresses the role of schools in prevention of lead poisoning. Sources of lead exposure include mining, smelting and refining activities, lead paint, leaded gasoline, and industrial emissions. The results of lead poisoning…

Most of the 161 rating scales, observation instruments, and questionnaires in this bibliography are geared to assessing the developmental levels of preschoolers and children. There are, however, some scales to assess adults' and adolescents' development. Both non-handicapped and handicapped populations are represented. Developmental areas assessed…

Critical thinking (CT) teaching strategies are an effective way for teacher educators, especially those of child development students, to help students understand the individual nature of the learning process, the need for dialogue and interaction, and the need for students to be able to apply theory to practice. CT involves the ability to use…