Offers suggestions for encouraging development of resiliency in young children in early childhood settings. Suggestions include providing care and support, increasing bonding, setting clear and consistent boundaries, setting and communicating high standards, teaching life skills, and providing opportunities for meaningful participation. Asserts…

Discusses nine works of young adult fiction that address themes of standing up for others as well as for one's true self, of daring to be different, and of finding the courage to go against the tide. Considers use of the books in small group and classroom discussions. (JPB)

Studies French children who had diverse day care experiences to determine whether day care is a risk factor in socio-emotional development. Finds that early day care is associated with increased social competence and not associated with behavioral problems; contradicts a similar U.S. study. Suggests difference may be due to poorer quality U.S. day…

Assessed psychometric properties of the Ages and Stages Questionnaires: Social-Emotional (ASQ:S-E), a screening instrument for 3- to 63-month-olds. Found that internal consistency was generally high. Test-retest reliability between parents' classifications was .94. Overall sensitivity was .82; overall specificity was .92. Parents reported easy…

Recent research, as well as personal reports from children and young adults, confirms the importance of a father or father figure being present. This article infuses research findings and person testimonies from young men who have reflected upon the importance of a father. Implications for schools and society are also discussed. (Author)

A case study investigated the effectiveness of a new self-contained classroom with curriculum that was differentiated for 24 highly intellectually gifted fourth-and fifth-grade students. Results indicate the self-contained classroom provided a challenging learning environment for the students, but students' response to this more challenging…

Discusses the need to improve the design of intelligent tutoring systems for young children and teenagers so they will develop information-processing skills and enrich their cognitive-emotional sphere. Gives an example of an experimental group in Moscow studying English as a second language. (LRW)

Contends that young children show surprising awareness of other's feelings. Provides background research concerning children's understanding; addresses levels of understanding of perception, emotions, desires, and beliefs; advises how parents and teachers can support children's development of understanding; and notes the powerful role and…

Discusses Montessori theories for development of social, moral, cognitive, and emotional dimensions of the human personality during the second plane of development--age six to puberty--as these theories relate to the theory of optimal experience. (JPB)

Investigated relations between interest in violent fantasy at age 4 years and children's social understanding, behavior, and interactions with friends 2 years later. Found that "hard-to-manage" children showed higher rates of violent fantasy. Across both groups, violent fantasy was related to later poor executive control and language…

This article discusses the importance of affective education in fostering emotional development and leadership skills, interpersonal and intrapersonal intelligences, and the affective needs of gifted and talented students. The teacher's role in integrating an affective component in the curriculum is described and strategies are provided, including…

Fifteen at-risk new mothers participating in a volunteer home-visiting program were interviewed about their experiences with these home-visitors and their relationships with close family and friends after their babies were born. Results of the qualitative analysis, viewed through the lens of Relational Cultural Theory (RCT), detail the social…

A series of studies extended psychometric research on the Adjustment Scales for Preschool Intervention (ASPI). The ASPI is a multidimensional measure of preschool emotional and behavioral adjustment for use within formal early childhood educational programs. These studies used a multiple method, multisource approach to provide additional evidence…

This chapter focuses on how the routine elements of family mealtimes such as assigned tasks and the more emotional ritual aspects such as recognition of feelings are related to children's well-being and the creation of a family identity. (Contains 2 tables and 1 figure.)

The potential to foster successfully starts with developing and supporting competency in 12 domains: (1) providing a safe and secure environment; (2) providing a nurturing environment; (3) promoting educational attainment and success; (4) meeting physical and mental healthcare needs; (5) promoting social and emotional development; (6) supporting…