Two studies examined four- and five-month-old infants' behaviors of leaning forward toward, and reaching for, an object placed within or beyond their reach. Infants who did not lean forward showed a decline in reaching behavior when the object was placed beyond their reach. (MDM)

When interviews with 74 people over 60 were analyzed using a grounded theory approach, developmental change was found to occur in five age-independent periods: (1) continuity with middle age; (2) early transition; (3) revised lifestyle; (4) later transition; and (5) final period. (SK)

Argues that teacher education can be improved by making it more available to more experienced, older students. Asserts that those students who have reached higher developmental stages generally do better as trainees and as practicing teachers. (SK)

Asserts that the concept of developmental appropriateness is often a trap for poor children who lack opportunities to explore written language and literary understandings. Argues that the individual and variable development of children is an opportunity for teachers to personalize instruction. (PRA)

This discussion of sex education for individuals with intellectual disabilities outlines Delys Sergeant's "coat hanger theory," which involves three coats or phases of sexuality: a physiological stimulus response coat; a reproductive coat; and a coat of attitudes, values, and self-esteem. Influences acting on individuals' sexuality include family,…

This report documents phonological changes in a pair of identical twin boys diagnosed as language delayed. The boys were evaluated four times between the ages of three and four. Speech samples were analyzed for phonetic inventories, phonological process use, and syllabic shapes. Observed changes in their speech generally followed normal…

Reports on an extensive study conducted with 10- to 12-year-old children in 3 Moscow schools to determine their aesthetic perceptions and comprehension of layers of metaphoric meanings in the Leningrad Theatre for Young Spectators' production of "Bambi." Shows that metaphoric comprehension decreases within this age group, countering the…

Discusses the developmental stages of infants' and children's eating habits. Provides directions for introducing cup and spoon to babies and for making homemade infant foods. Includes information on breast feeding and how child caregivers can support breast-feeding mothers. (HTH)

Four studies assessed whether children, before and after experiencing word naming explosion, differed in their ability to learn a new word after limited exposure. Both 13- and 18-month olds showed comprehension of the new word, even after a 24-hour delay, suggesting that, well before the productive naming explosion, children can quickly learn a…

The paper proposes an alternative approach to dealing with stigma among people with mental retardation, namely group therapy based on the two paradigms of loss and consciousness raising. The experiences of seven adult group members as they passed through six overlapping phases (denial, statement, recognition, exploration, meaning, and acceptance)…

Argues for a reevaluation of the unexamined, unacknowledged assumption that narrative or story is primary--that children's abilities to understand and compose stories precede their capabilities to understand and use nonstory, informational written language. Finds that children were just as successful in reenacting the information books as they…

This paper proposes that, contrary to the idea that creativity declines during the second half of life, observed changes may actually reflect qualitative changes in the creative process. Life span developmental theory is used to examine empirical and theoretical ideas about mature forms of thinking in relation to creativity. (DB)

An interview with Donald Super focuses on life stages, determinants of career choice, role of career counselors, matching versus developmental emphasis, multicultural and gender issues, applications of theory, and future directions. (SK)

Acoustic analyses, along with perceptual ratings, measured the extent to which preschoolers imitated three modeled intonation contours (declarative, interrogative, and monotone). Results indicated that five-year-old children imitated modeled contours more frequently than did three-year-old children, with between-group differences largely because…

Explores the development of students' knowledge of the meanings of 10 common English suffixes. Finds that knowledge of the meanings of the common English suffixes underwent significant development between fourth grade and high school. Notes that the test can be used to identify students who have particular difficulties with English suffixes. (RS)