Children's natural endeavors that enable them to attain self-realization and fulfillment were given the name "self-activity" by the German philosopher Friedrich Froebel. Discussed are components traceable to the self-activity principle that appear in early childhood song materials published around the turn of the century. (RM)

Research established a moderate relation between toy availability and children's development throughout early childhood. Several aspects of psychological theory appear to describe part of the relation: cognitive developmental theory, relating learning and development, script theory, theories of intrinsic motivation, and theories relating play to…

The research examined effects of a longitudinal intervention program on developmental status of normal, at-risk, and handicapped children under three years. The program featured a developmentally appropriate, contingently responsive setting. Data indicated significant improvements in child performance as a function of intervention. Degree of…

Interviews with parents of 31 handicapped infants revealed that the child's responsiveness, temperament, repetitive behavior patterns, and demands for additional/unusual caregiving were related to stress reported by mothers. Child's rate of progress was not related. Single mothers reported more stress than mothers in two-parent homes. (Author/CL)

The Damon hierarchy of development of children's sense of positive justice is examined for its usefulness in predicting fairness in behavior and reliability in age patterning of its stated levels of reasoning. The hierarchy's value as a developmental schedule for teacher guidance may be questionable. (Author)

Argues that several features of the child's developing physical, psychological, and behavioral character suggest some interventions are efficacious and some are less efficient or counterproductive. Illustrations are drawn from pertinent literature on such topics as systematic desensitization, cognitive-behavioral self-control therapy,…

Investigates the influence of breast-feeding duration on the increase in weight of 365 children from birth to six months in the agro-industrial community of Pradopolis, Brazil. (RH)

Specially trained inmates in a maximum security prison supervised a play area in the prison visiting room where children could play in a safe and structured way with materials appropriate to their developmental needs. Children were thus able to master, in age-appropriate ways, the circumstances of the visiting room. (Author/CMG)

Explains why Richard Kennedy's original style and fresh expression of old themes deserve more recognition. (HOD)

The decision-making approach develops skills useful in a variety of situations and belief systems. Child caregivers can create environments that are rich in decision-making experiences so that children can make decisions effectively and accept responsibility for them as they approach adulthood. (JOW)

Encourages teachers to evaluate the appropriateness of language activities in the light of the language competencies children possess. (DD)

Teachers must try to listen to children a great deal more and question them a great deal less. (Author)

Looks at the work of the Hoxton Hall Community Theatre and Education Project in the East End of London. (Editor)

Author examined some recent ideas on children's perception of their environment. (Editor/RK)

Author calls for a radical reappraisal of the nursery school curriculum. (Editor/RK)