This study compared the lexical mapping (acoustic-phonetic analysis) stage of auditory word recognition in 21 children (mean age 8 years 9 months) with specific language impairments (SLI) with children matched for either chronological age or vocabulary. The SLI children performed comparably to control groups on all dependent measures related to…

Introduces the conceptual background of a model of youth development that utilizes the principles of the Native-American Circle of Courage. Discusses the four principles of the Circle of Courage: belonging, mastery, independence, and generosity. Discusses the development of the model and the life of the artist who developed that artwork for the…

Describes typical developmental traits for different age groups of campers to help camp counselors understand them. Lists characteristics such as curiosity for ages 5-7, group awareness for ages 10-12, conformity and self-awareness for ages 12-15, and expansive and changing ambitions for ages 15-17. (CDS)

Two studies compared the descriptions given by children (N=74) with and without autism of animated stimuli depicting mechanical launching effects, intentional reactions, or sequences of mechanical and intentional reactions. Although children with autism were as able as control groups at these differentiations, differences were found in their…

This study compared 23 children with high-functioning autism with 12 children with Asperger syndrome using DSM-IV diagnostic criteria. Findings indicated few group differences in current functioning but many early history differences. The Asperger syndrome group generally demonstrated less severe early symptoms, a milder developmental course, and…

Reviews literature to describe young children's pitch-matching accuracy and vocal range, and outlines developmentally appropriate practice. Identifies internal and external influences on pitch-matching accuracy and vocal range. Suggests that children's musical development should be considered in a dynamic way and that what is called…

Interviewed mothers to examine the developmental significance of preschoolers' imaginary companions. Found that relationships with invisible companions were described as sociable and friendly, whereas personified objects were usually nurtured. Object personification frequently occurred as a result of acquiring a toy; invisible friends were viewed…

Highlights articles in the ERIC database on early childhood development. Topics of papers and journal articles annotated include early years language and literacy curriculum; children's temperaments; preschool mathematics; and a multilingual nursery class. (HTH)

Current research on effects of single-parent households on children's well-being found that families are more similar in their ability to foster child well-being. Family process has a greater effect on child well-being than family structure. Suggests s counselors treat each family as unique, foster ways to promote positive relating, and become…

Maintains that medical growth charts that have been created by pharmaceutical companies can be utilized to demonstrate a variety of statistical concepts in psychology. Expounds that the charts are based on data collected from 1963-1975 by the National Center for Health Statistics with a sample of over 20,000 children. Provides teaching activities.…

Analysis of effects of different starting points on the Bayley Scales of Infant Development II Mental Scale found that starting at the child's chronological age consistently inflated scores, whereas starting at the lowest item set skewed results in the opposite direction. Testing downward until all items are passed and upward until all items are…

A significant correlation exists between quality child care and outcomes. Quality-related outcomes include cooperative play, sociability, creativity, ability to solve social conflicts, self-control, and language and cognitive development. Legislatures and agencies should strengthen standards; require initial and ongoing staff training; recruit,…

Explores child-centeredness through three interrelated themes: understanding its reconstitution of the child as an effect of power's shifting conceptualization; delineating new identity positions that opened up for teachers and students with the move from romantic to developmentalist child-centeredness; and exploring how child and teacher were…

Introduces articles in journal issue devoted to research on gestures. Discusses importance of studying gesture, its definition, and open theoretical and practical questions on the subject, including (1) Is the relationship between gesture and speech one of equal partners? (2) Are there developmental changes in the relationship between gesture and…

Evaluated statistically the effect of intranatal and early postnatal period factors on mental development of very low-birth-weight infants. Covariance structure analysis revealed direct influence of birth weight and gestational age in weeks on mental development at age 1, and of opthalmological aberrations and respirator disorder on mental…