Examines Jean Piaget's developmental theories and evaluates how his psychology of constructivism relates to contemporary behavioral sciences, modern education, and modern monopoly capitalism. Concludes that Piaget's constructivism is inconsistent with capitalist ideology and is widely misunderstood by educators. (DB)

This article explores some of the major influences affecting the development of female sex-role identity and the psychological and social consequences of this deveopment during childhood and adolescence. (Author/EB)

Suggests that the articles in the book cover many of the aspects of discussion in the early years education debate. Notes that the articles are well-written, well-researched, and successfully link theoretical issues with practical implementation. Discusses some criticism related to the epistemological and conceptual framework presented. (AA)

This keynote address to the 1996 International Early Childhood Conference on Children with Special Needs reviews progress in early intervention of the last decade and four studies which examined the effectiveness of early intervention programs and parent education programs for teen mothers. The author urges better data collection and holding state…

Argues a violent society adversely affects the development of young children, and caregivers must play a healing role in caring for children. Examines how violence affects children's sense of self, a child's relationships with others, and a child's world view. Supports building worthwhile relationships with parents and providing a safe haven. (SD)

Asserts that cultural and social realities are historically constructed and underlie modern works on childhood. Touches upon child abuse research, cultural aspects of educational expansion, and interdisciplinary applications. Highlights homogenizing and heterogenizing factors, children's rights, standard of living and distribution, life-course…

This article discusses using "PEPSI", a screening and programming method that evaluates the physical, emotional, philosophical, social, and intellectual levels of development in children with disabilities. The steps in the PEPSI screening process are described and a case study is provided. A chart depicting indicators in teaching respect for self…

Discusses research on homosexuality, including origins and physiology. Claims that teachers play an important role in developing and maintaining the classroom as a psychologically safe and appreciative environment. Provides suggestions on how teachers should handle biases. Concludes that by treating all children with respect and dignity, teachers…

Provides a definition of dyslexia and characteristics of students who have this condition. Claims that when teaching dyslexic students, teachers may need to change the academic environment to enable students to demonstrate what they know. Provides suggestions to teachers on how the needs of dyslexic students can be met in the regular classroom.…

Describes hummingbirds and how they can serve as sources of learning and enjoyment for young children. Gives information on feeding, breeding, and behavior of hummingbirds, and on their natural predators. Outlines activities for "discovery," making feeders, watching and charting hummingbirds, and other creative learning activities. (BGC)

Explored children's conscience using narrative measures of responses to hypothetical moral dilemmas and objective measures. Found that children who experienced more power-assertive maternal discipline produced fewer themes of commitment to and concern about good behavior and were more poorly internalized on observed and mother-reported measures.…

A 10-year longitudinal study investigated whether 37 children identified as academically gifted at preschool but who received no specific support would be identifiably different from their peers after 10 years of Finnish comprehensive school. The gifted group scored significantly higher than controls for final school grades and scholastic…

Four studies in child development show that children socialize parents as much as parents socialize children. Child development is a function of biological maturation and child-environment interaction. The most important determinants of resiliency are caregiver quality and socioeconomic status. Implications for camp are discussed, the most…

The features of positive youth development settings, identified in recent research, are applied to camp program planning, staff selection, and comprehensive program evaluation. A web-like model of positive features of the program's organizational and social environment provides a systemic viewpoint. (TD)

Presents a brief history of early childhood education in Poland and changes occurring in the 1990s. Outlines the government's minimum standards for kindergarten education, including aspects of child development that are considered crucial, and ways in which classroom practices have become more child responsive. Discusses the roles of religion,…