The concept of critical or sensitive periods in child development provides an example around which to organize discussion of what is known and not known about brain development and the implications of brain science on early childhood policy and practice. This book reviews the early history of critical periods and evidence for their existence in…

A role model is someone an individual looks up to and wants to be like--but also someone an individual connects with as a person. There is a special relationship between a child and a teacher, particularly in the early childhood years. Teachers must think carefully about how their manner affects the children in their classrooms. This article…

There has been a worldwide increase in the prevalence of children who are obese that is rapidly reaching epidemic proportions. These obese children have associated significant co-morbidities. In the past 30 years the proportion of children in the United States who are obese or overweight has tripled; 15%, or approximately nine million, are obese.…

In this article, the author discusses how the JUCONI Foundation in Puebla, Mexico is helping children. (JUCONI is an acronym for "Junto con los Ninos", or "Together with the Children)." This Mexican nongovernmental organization (NGO) has been successfully working with distressed families and children in Puebla since 1989. For…

This two-volume reference presents the latest findings on the mental, emotional, and physical life of the human infant. The entries present thorough and current assessments of infancy issues as well as brief definitions and descriptions of scientific, technological, and psychological terms. Coverage includes discussion of the critical issues,…

Discusses ideas outlined in a recent report from the Council on Physical Education for Children on the importance of a success-orientated physical education (PE) program for elementary school students. Emphasizes the importance of (1) instructionally appropriate PE; (2) motor skill and movement concept development; (3) social and emotional…

The rationale and focus for this paper is a discussion from five perspectives on the issues surrounding childhood freedoms and levels of physical activity. From our different perspectives we argue that beneath these very real and proper concerns that parents have for their children's safety are societal concerns and perceptions concerning the…

Reports on a portion of a long-term investigation carried out to determine the prognostic significance of newborn behavioral assessments for later development and behavior, in terms of identifying a subpopulation which would be a high risk group. (Author/SDH)

This guide to a curriculum for Family Life Education (including sex education) for grades kindergarten through 12 was the direct outgrowth of a summer Curriculum Writing Workshop. The project was funded under Title III of the Elementary and Secondary School Act. Teachers and counselors compiled the guide so that it could be adapted by a school…

The physical, social, emotional, and cognitive gains derived from block building are examined in relation to learning needs of the pre-school child. (CS)

The use of drama to teach social skills to public middle school students labeled at-risk is powerfully effective. Drama is a universal form of human expression found in cultures all over the world and throughout history. For students at-risk of poor educational outcomes, drama is effective for teaching social, emotional, and physical development.…

Through longitudinal studies of 200 children being reared in alternative family styles or in traditional two-parent families, researchers investigated family values and the way they are transmitted through child-rearing practices. (CS)

Solidly based experimental and experiential evidence indicates that play can serve as a powerful support and energizer in the early childhood education curriculum. (CS)