Reports on a comparison of the psychosocial adjustment of 50 academically gifted German 10-year olds with 50 of average intelligence 10-year olds. Finds no significant differences between the two groups. Finds elementary school gifted children are at least as socially and emotionally well-adjusted as their nongifted age mates. (CFR)

Asserts the function of narrative as a method of thinking is important in the lives of children as well as adults. Maintains that, by examining a story or narrative in children's art, it is possible to account for its importance in their lives. Describes three aspects of narrative: (1) invention; (2) description; and (3) negotiation. (CFR)

This study identified early conditions of successful adults, via a historical analysis of psychological traits and childhood environments of 38 notable 20th-century American women writers. The study rated multiple traits and conditions representing cognitive, affective, familial, and educational aspects. Results focus on the degree of persistence…

Notes that the differences between infant/toddler care and preschool care have been ignored in all but the best programs and day care homes. Examines child care policies and practices from the perspective of their influence on infant/toddler identity formation, including continuity of care and curricula that are responsive rather than…

Presents a developmental framework for cultural competence training with children. Recommends that social workers synchronize training with children's developmental levels and cultural learning readiness in cognitive, affective, and behavioral areas. Translates multicultural practice theory into concrete skills and methods that social workers can…

The middle school movement is not about being better able to meet the learning needs of preadolescents; middle schools are attractive mostly for administrative, not pedagogical reasons. Middle school advocates overlook the cultural context of rural schools and the violence done to communitarian precepts when middle school construction results in…

Reviews how chronic illness affects the psychosocial and cognitive development of ill children, using both Eriksonian and Piagetian theoretical rubrics. Explores family and child stress and coping with medical crises and manifestations of illness. Provides recommendations for enhancing parent and professional communication and educational…

Presents an interview with Kieran Egan, an award-winning professor of education. Egan's research has focused on the role of imagination in learning, providing new understanding on how children's minds work. After presenting an academic portrait of Egan, discusses his opinion on the role of educational theory today and his teaching-as-storytelling…

Evaluates the effects of an enrichment package on the free- play behavior of black South African children in day care. Aims to assess the short-term effects and cost-effectiveness of such enrichment. Discusses the results in terms of often unexpected impacts that intervention schemes can have in the developing world, even those specifically…

A longitudinal study of conflict management among siblings found that children's use of other-oriented statements emerged between 33 and 47 months of age, and that children used other-oriented arguments with their friends more often than with their mothers or siblings. Further, at 33 months, children used more reasoning during conflicts when not…

The development of conceptual knowledge about the earth among 60 elementary school students in grades 1, 3, and 5 was studied through questions about its shape. In the process of knowledge acquisition, children appear to modify their initial models to make them more consistent with the culturally accepted model. (SLD)

Findings from a study of 109 Israeli day-care providers suggest that they classify, label, and evaluate infant behavior in the Strange Situation procedure much like attachment theorists do. The relatively independent infants were viewed most positively and most providers preferred to interact with these infants. (SLD)

Assesses beliefs of 32 male and 35 female middle-class preschool children about the frequency and intensity with which girls, boys, women, and men experience anger, sadness, and happiness. Children's beliefs are complex; they vary as a function of the target person's age and sex and of the specific emotion. (SLD)

The Missouri Parents as Teachers project developed in response to a 1984 state mandate requiring parent education and serves about 85,000 families with children, ages birth through 4. Components include home visits, group meetings, and early childhood developmental screenings. Discussed are the project's historical perspective, project evaluation,…

For parent involvement initiatives to be successful, they should be part of a focused school improvement process. In New Haven's School Development Program, parents are involved at all levels of school life, through general support of educational programs, participation in daily activities, and school planning and management. (BC)