Examines the relations among reciprocal nominations, reciprocal rejections, and loneliness among children with learning disorders (LD). Reveals that sense of coherence, peer reciprocal rejection, and conception of friendship qualities predicted loneliness. Discusses the examination of intra- and interpersonal variables in understanding loneliness…

Four articles address music and movement in early childhood education: (1) "For the Love of Music--and Children"(Cindy Smith); (2) "Music: The Great Connector" (Thomas Moore); (3) "Learning through Music: The Support of Brain Research" (Elizabeth B. Carlton); and (4) "Music and Movement Bring Together Children of…

Differentiates traditional education, progressive education, constructivism, and the Montessori approach. Examines the role of motivation in constructivism and in Montessori's planes of development. Concludes that Montessorians and constructivists are allies in the struggle to liberate children from conventional educational methods, which blunt…

Extends William James' classification of phenomenalistic reality (PR) and analyzes PR using empirical data available in developmental psychology; focuses on the relation of PR to a human subject; to rational constructions; and to the idea of truth. Concludes that the development of phenomenalistic reality is qualitatively different from the…

Analyzed one-year gains of children with severe disabilities, children with mild/moderate disabilities, and typically-developing children, in segregated or integrated preschools. Found that segregated programs had smaller adult/child ratios and shorter operating hours than integrated programs. Children with severe disabilities in segregated…

Studies French children who had diverse day care experiences to determine whether day care is a risk factor in socio-emotional development. Finds that early day care is associated with increased social competence and not associated with behavioral problems; contradicts a similar U.S. study. Suggests difference may be due to poorer quality U.S. day…

This article uses a developmental model of language (Situational- Discourse-Semantics or SDS), along with a constellation or neuro-network model, to describe the developmental emergence of phonemic awareness. Ten sources of phonemic awareness are profiled along with developmental continuum, providing an integrated view of this complex development.…

Calls for a process-oriented approach to study of categorization in infancy. Maintains that further understanding of infant categorization and its changes with development requires a more direct assessment of infants' category formation. Argues that two research directions will enhance understanding of categorization: (1) contextual variations on…

Examines the effects of 3 years of piano instruction on children's cognitive abilities. Finds that children's general cognitive and spatial abilities improved significantly, but those improvements were only temporary. Believes that the positive effects on the children's cognitive abilities were dependent upon their dedication to learning the…

This article reviews issues related to the development of young children adopted from Eastern Europe. Medical considerations, growth and developmental delays, sensory processing difficulties, and social and emotional development of institutionalized children are discussed. Issues are considered in light of their effects on child and family…

Explores the developmental transitions experienced by infants and young children as they move beyond their relationship with mother and father. Examines the role and influence of grandparents, siblings, and outside caregivers in the young child's expanded world. (HTH)

This study used longitudinal data from five Irish American families and nine Chinese families in Taiwan, in conjunction with cultural psychology research evidence, to propose universal, culturally variable, and developmental dimensions of children's pretend play. Findings raise the theoretical issue of how universal and variable dimensions of…

A study evaluated the effect of academic self-concept (ASC) on the development of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and antisocial behaviors in early adolescents (n=445). Results indicated that ASC is an important construct that directly contributes to the development of antisocial behaviors rather than to symptoms of ADHD. (Contains…

Notes that variety and difference in writing styles, methodology, and theoretical perspectives are both the greatest strength and greatest limitation of this book containing articles on child, adult, and animal play written by authors from education, psychology, anthropology, and sociology. Suggests that readers can gain theoretical and…

One of the most important experiences in a child's life begins when he starts formal school, most often at age 5. Going to kindergarten is thrilling and sometimes scary but always an adventure. At this time, children come together from all walks of life; all types of families; at all levels of development; and with a vast array of skills,…