The present descriptions of play of children two to five are based on the theory that the four processes of understanding include four different emphases: (1) imitation, (2) exploration, (3) prediction, and (4) construction (building, etc.). Therefore, the categories of children's play discussed are transformations of each of these types. Play is…

The steps to building a community playground are discussed. These steps include planning, materials and services needed, and the involvement of parents, teachers, and administrators as well as the children themselves. Pictures illustrate the text. (DB)

Presented in one of three reports from an early childhood staff training program at the University of Texas at Austin is an annotated listing of approximately 450 films on general aspects of child development and 10 areas of exceptionality. Films are arranged alphabetically by title within six categories of development (general child development,…

This study examined the development of young children's motivations to socially compare in a situation in which they were free to seek or not seek information about how another child was doing. The results showed a developmental increase in comparison behaviors from kindergarten to second grade. (JMB)

Examines several children's alphabet books and notes that they fall into one or a combination of four basic patterns: word-picture format, simple narrative, collection of nonsense verse, or subject-oriented content. (HOD)

This article briefly examines special treatment centers in the United States set up to provide services to child abusing families. Australian efforts to contend with child abuse are also mentioned. (CM)

The author reviews the needs of normal infants and young children and considers some of the difficulties faced by handicapped children. (CL)

Implications of the gay rights movement for the rights of children are examined from a developmental perspective which allows the rights issue to be refocused from one of children's rights to that of the rights of the adults that children become. (Author)

This paper reviews a few studies, both in animals and humans, that are relevant in helping us to understand factors affecting infant-mother interaction. (MM)

A pair of studies conducted with first, third, and fifth graders supports the prediction that concrete, quantitative feedback, as opposed to qualitative comments, increases the validity of children's expectations of their level of performance. (Editor)

Discusses the developmental characteristics of the middle school years child. (DD)

Evaluates the assertion that short-term memory (STM) capacity increases with age and concludes that the STM capacity limitation in children is due to the deficits in the processing strategies and speeds, which presumably improve with age through cumulative learning. (JM) Available from: Memory and Cognition, Psychonomic Society, 1018 West 34…

Touch down on a no-talking planet to help children explore some sensational experiences with drawing and writing. (Editor)

Detailed are five music activities designed to instruct handicapped children in such areas as perceptual motor development, attention span and relationships of size.

Points out the very real need for teachers to develop a feeling of sensitivity in working with children. (Author/RK)