Creativity has become an essential curriculum competence, playing a pivotal role in the successful response to the ever-changing demands of contemporary society. Yet, its complex, dynamic, and multifaceted nature seem conflicted with the predominant quantitative and easy-to-replicate curricular goals, resulting in potential incongruence between…

Considers evidence on the criteria and characteristics of critical period phenomena with respect to endogenous and exogenous influences. Describes and evaluates methodology of critical period research and discusses past attempts at subclassification of the field and "recovery of function" as a refutation of the critical period…

This article responds to Sylvia Richardson (EC 602 667), noting a failure to address the definitional issues associated with dyslexia. A definition of dyslexia is offered that considers the nature of the processing limitation underlying the disorder as well as the developmental changes that occur in the manifestation of the disorder. (Author/DB)

The concern of this book is to examine written language and its relation to what is ordinarily understood by the term oral language, the process of its acquisition, and the place of written language in the process of mental development. The eight chapters (1) examine the relation of written language to oral language and trace the phonocentric…

Better integration of basic principles about human development--such as targeted environmental prevention, metacognitive conveyance, and ecological dominion--with treatment practices for children may solve key issues about the nature of mental retardation and the goals of treatment programs, and will yield substantial benefits to individuals and…

Identifies some of the inherent problems involved in, and presents a differentiated definition of, "developmentally appropriate programming and practices" that specifically targets the special needs of young gifted children. A Multidimensional Curriculum Model is introduced which can be used to design developmentally-based curricula appropriate…

Considers the nature and developmental functions of physical activity play. Distinguishes three kinds of physical activity play with consecutive age peaks: rhythmic stereotypies, exercise play, and rough-and-tumble play. Considers gender differences and function in terms of immediate and deferred consequences in physical, cognitive, and social…

Bilingualism has been defined predominantly in linguistic dimensions despite the fact that bilingualism is correlated with a number of nonlinguistic social parameters; the linguistic handle is inadequate as the single focus of educational intervention. Suggests directions for future research. (Author/BJV)

New research on brain development has profound implications in the areas of child development and education. This review of the research describes how the brain develops to shape children's growing intelligence, addressing such questions as: (1) What are the brain's functions? (2) What are the critical or sensitive periods in brain development?…

This discussion of self-determination in young children with severe disabilities first offers a definition of self-determination and then looks at the early roots of self-determination from a developmental perspective. The article explores the relationship of (1) skills associated with self-determination and (2) practices, curriculum, and…

This manual provides a state-of-the art review of child neglect in the United States, its nature, causes, and the implications of that knowledge for preventive and remedial intervention. After an introduction, the first chapter considers the definition of neglect including types of neglect, the withholding of medically indicated treatment from…

This document reviews a number of recent studies written in French that investigate the nature of communication between 2-year-old infants and others. The review includes three parts. The first part focuses on studies aiming to constitute a behavioral catalog of the child. Characteristically, these studies offer a posteriori interpretations of…

While some educators have attributed early school failure to improper grade placement and thus advocate grade placement according to developmental age, others believe that early school failure is due to the lack of academic preparation for young children by their parents or by preschools. This paper examines related literature for empirical…

Uninformed of the power of play as an educational tool, many people view play as a waste of time and call for a return to teaching basic academic skills during the period of early childhood. This chapter demonstrates that play is a major vehicle for learning, focusing on the dynamics of sociodramatic interaction that are integral to understanding…

Describes the status of controversies regarding the definition of intelligence, its measurement, and the relative roles of heredity versus environment in the development of individual differences. Intelligence tests alone are inconclusive in examining individual children. (Author/BJV)