Discusses children's understanding of death during early and middle childhood. Describes four basic considerations (communication, acceptance, routine, and reactions) that apply to all situations with bereaved children. Looks at situation-specific reactions to terminally ill classmate, parental death, death of sibling, death of friend or relative,…

The evolution of Burma's much-needed medical school curriculum for child survival and development is chronicled, including discussion of constraints on and resistance to the curriculum. (MSE)

Describes procedures used to measure aspects of a classroom environment in which the development of prosocial characteristics is emphasized. Explains observation procedures, a teacher questionnaire, a child interview, and a child questionnaire. Finds observation to be the most useful means of assessment, with the other three procedures…

Social-cognitive modes of play and peer responses were observed in two classrooms of 40 three-year-olds, two classrooms of 32 four-year-olds, and two classrooms of 36 three- and four-year-olds. Developmental differences appeared in play patterns in same-age but not in mixed-age classrooms. (TJH)

Ninety-six children from a high-iodine Chinese village were found to have higher goiter incidence, thyroid gland volume, and urinary/creatinine ratio than 51 children from an iodine-normal village. All children from both villages were euthyroid. Excess iodine did not substantially affect the children's physical or intellectual growth. (Author/JDD)

An oral deaf adult presents his views on speechreading as they relate to his personal history, focusing on his relationship with his family; impact of his deafness on his education, social development, and employment; the limitations of speechreading; and the recent development of assistive technological devices. (JDD)

Examined 8- and 10-year olds' understanding of the unique features of and potential relations among mental activities. Found a developing tendency to organize mental activities on the degree to which memory was a component of the activity. Results suggest that a constructivist theory of mind develops in later childhood. (AA)

Introduces this special issue and presents a variety of clinical, research, interview, classroom, observation, assessment, and survey techniques. These techniques are intended to improve children's lives. Notes that some of the articles provide theoretical support for the techniques suggested and used, some describe programmatic models, and some…

A review of laboratory research estimating effects of mild hearing impairment on infant speech perception abilities, under conditions simulating mild hearing loss in normal hearing infants, suggests that even mild alterations of auditory input during infancy may have significant developmental consequences. Results support identification,…

Suggests that, considering the many benefits to mothers, babies, and caregivers, maintaining the breastfeeding relationship is an important aspect of quality child care. Provides an extended list of breastfeeding advantages. Proposes that care providers should fully realize the positive difference breastfeeding can make, encourage mothers' choice…

Research demonstrates that children develop psychological "resilience" through the fostering of certain protective factors in their lives. Youth programs can promote development of these protective factors by helping children build attachments to adults and others and develop social competence and by providing meaningful participation in…

Discusses why art is important in students' lives, features of artistry that captivate the mind, and reasons why arts should be fully integrated into school curricula. Change in art education should be grounded in substantive insights about artistic content, child development, teaching methods, and curriculum as a meeting ground. (SM)

Describes research on nurturance, focusing on one study of children aged two through six and their interactions with a baby. Boys were found to be as nurturing as girls, but in different ways. Describes a parent survey indicating that girls spent more time than boys playing with and caring for babies. Notes the societal influences on children's…

Argues that early childhood experiences with processes as diverse as language, mathematics, emotion, and music determine which neurons grow and remain active in the brain. Early exposure to these processes results in receptive programming. Discusses the implications for schools, teachers, and parents. (MJP)

Five charts list toys, playground equipment, and other materials found in most child care settings that promote social, emotional, perceptual, sensory, cognitive, and physical development and that can be used, with little or no modification, by children with disabilities. (MDM)