Critiques the attempt by David Pariser and Axel van den Berg to apply the author's methods to a cross-cultural study. Argues that their study is too flawed to be definitive. Suggests means to test the universality of the U-curve as a cognitive development pattern or an artifact of culturally defined aesthetics. (DSK)

Responds to a critique of the authors' work by Jessica Davis. Enumerates and responds to each of Davis' critiques, arguing that many of them are invalid. Defends the research design choices made by the authors and the results of their study. (DSK)

A review of the literature on the socioemotional development and status of hard-of-hearing students in regular classes identifies sources of negative attitudes to which students may be exposed. These include the presence of a hearing aid, requests for clarification, speech impediments, erroneous information in available literature, confusing…

Children in intentional communities interact with a wide variety of adults independently, observe many parent/child relationships, and experience their parents in roles other than parent. Informal learning experiences about subjects not usually available to children abound. Integration into a community promotes childrens' academic and social…

Reflective physical education (PE) teachers should use developmentally appropriate pedagogy (DAP) to include students with diverse skill levels in their PE classes. DAP is a prerequisite to successful inclusion. This paper explains the importance of breaking down skills, age appropriateness, individual appropriateness, and interactive teaching in…

Assesses effectiveness of three preschool curriculum models by examining the lives of 68 23-year-olds randomly assigned to one such group as economically disadvantaged preschoolers. Young people experienced fewer emotional problems and felony arrests if they had attended a preschool program based on child-initiated learning activities geared to…

Reviews selected research on children's early formation of categories. Finds sophistication in how children group objects and think about those groupings. Notes findings related to type of grouping (thematic or taxonomic), multiple classifications, overgeneralization, the role of background knowledge on classification abilities, the…

Explores the preferences exhibited by 40 10- and 11-year-olds and 40 13- and 14-year-olds for rhythm patterns and scale modes used in Japanese folk songs. Reveals that bouncing rhythms appeal to Japanese elementary school children while junior high students widened their preferences to scale or melody movement, disregarding bouncing rhythm. (CMK)

Suggests that quality child care includes loving relationships between staff and child and between child and child. Emphasizes personal attachment and socialization as builders of a child's tolerance, self-identity, independence, and generosity. Identifies positive emotional context as crucial for learning environments. (DLH)

In inclusive classrooms, all students can learn more effectively if teachers adjust instruction for individual learning styles and needs. This paper describes: reasons to use differentiated instruction; the principles of differentiated instruction (based on the theory of multiple intelligences); instructional strategies (e.g., acceleration,…

Assesses the effectiveness of a mother-focused, neonatal hospital-based intervention program in which 12 low socioeconomic group mothers in Boston participated in a structured developmental and behavioral assessment of their premature infants, with the goal of enhancing their ability to provide appropriate interactions and environmental…

Studied the social networks and daily activities of children and adolescents living or working on the streets of Belo Horizonte, Brazil. Found that youngsters who lived at home and worked on the street appeared to be experiencing orderly development despite their impoverished circumstances. Youngsters who lived on the streets, however, showed…

Reviews recent research on the development of aggressive behavior in childhood and early adolescence using an ecological perspective focusing on social development in the family, school, peer group, and community. Asserts family processes and early childhood peer relations that appear to tip developmental trajectories toward social rejection at…

Discusses the importance of science education in early childhood education and describes different approaches in incorporating physics into the preschool curriculum. Provides examples of experiments and encourages parent participation in children's science activities. Concludes by looking at science as an equity issue and emphasizes that science…

Presents six articles on brain research and child development: "Brain Research, Infant Learning, and Child Care Curriculum" (J. R. Lally); "The Thinking Brain" (P. Schiller); "Early Experiences Shape Social Development" (B. Caldwell); "Facing the Challenge of Motor Development" (P. Weikart); Language…