During adolescence, young people are traversing exciting and also challenging stages in their development. Mindfulness, if taught in a developmentally appropriate way, has the potential to be an asset in adolescents' lives. Developmentally appropriate approaches of mindfulness intervention during adolescence need to consider adolescents'…

Motivation has long been viewed as a key element of learning. A study of over 300 high school juniors and seniors demonstrated that motivation was at least as predictive of achievement in a subject as was intelligence. Among younger students, motivation is a linchpin to learning, even at a time developmentally when overall motivation for…

Dramatic rises in youth violence in the United States beginning in the 1980s coupled with high visibility acts such as school shootings have resulted in a corresponding proliferation of programs designed to prevent aggression and violence in children and youth. Parallel with this increasing programmatic expansion, there have been repeated calls…

Describes a primary teacher's experience with implementing developmentally appropriate practice. Documents the process of changing teaching methods, abandoning ability grouping in reading, giving children significant choices, following children's progress, staying informed and sharing with colleagues, informing parents, and evaluating teaching…

Presents guidelines for providing suitable play and learning spaces for children from birth to 3 years old. Argues that toddlers have developmental needs different from those of older preschoolers, and that environments must be designed appropriately. Recommends that room arrangements for toddlers provide simplicity, options for seclusion and…

Describes how young children's perceptions of death relate to their stage of cognitive development. Discusses basic responsibilities of teachers regarding death education in early childhood settings: helping children feel safe while acknowledging the reality of death, promoting an accepting classroom atmosphere, and providing developmentally…

Notes the increase in after-school programs for school-age children and discusses ways to meet the outdoor play needs of this age group. Stresses the need to recognize the unique physical, cognitive, and social needs of school-age children; offers suggestions for developing or modifying playgrounds to meet those needs. (TJQ)