A study was done to compare humor development in preschool children from poor Black, poor Mexican American, and middle class White racial-ethnic groups. Results suggest that, while the White group was different in the usage of verbal humor, the three groups did not differ markedly in their overall sense of humor. (JN)

Scores on the Home Observation for Measurement of Environment (HOME), designed to reflect parental support of early cognitive and social development, were correlated with elementary school achievement five to nine years later. Results supported the predictive value of the instrument for school achievement among low-income families. (Author/DB)

Many gifted students have problems that are not simply academic, but also social and emotional. Gifted students frequently experience self-doubt, boredom, frustration, and social isolation or ridicule from peers. Teacher education courses should equip high school teachers to deal with the emotional problems of gifted adolescents. (JN)

A study of the development of high school students' self-social relationships indicated a need for a concentrated program on personal growth and development in tenth grade when individual identities are forming. High school students scored highest on the self-complexity and self-centrality tests. Developmental trends for sex were also indicated.…

Gifted children need help to realize their contributions to self and society. Too often their talents go unrecognized and their needs unmet. Many Americans hesitate to encourage intellectual or creative talents, but don't complain if students are separated for remedial reading or varsity athletics. (Author/MLW)

Developmental guidance workshops (DGW) provide new direction and involvement for school guidance services. They are designed for existing classroom groups, to provide a more total learning environment and accelerate student growth toward fulfillment of developmental needs. An example of a nonthreatening workshop implementing the DGW concept is…

Describes a social development program for elementary school children that was developed using systems methodology. All school members were involved. Both students and teachers reported positive changes, as well as improved school attendance. The problem-solving approach included: needs assessment, specifying objectives, generating alternative…

Examines the theme of adolescent maturation and growing responsibility in Shakespeare's "Henry IV, Part I." Uses excerpts from the play to illustrate key points in Prince Henry's developing sense of responsibility. Argues that this theme makes the play accessible and enjoyable for adolescents. (MJP)

Results of a national longitudinal study (Sloan Study of Youth and Social Development) indicated that most high school students have a fairly rosy view of their future careers that does not match the economic reality. Many receive little career counseling in high school and enter college with little sense of direction, which may limit their career…

Character education often uses exhortations and extrinsic inducements to make children behave and work harder. Extrinsic rewards and awards erode intrinsically motivated behavior. Programs should answer five basic questions, avoid indoctrination, and provide students with opportunities to construct meaning around moral concepts and to change…

Service learning is a versatile, developmentally appropriate strategy that integrates public service into student instruction and connects the classroom with the surrounding community and the world. Service learning promotes personal, social, and emotional growth; develops a sense of civic responsibility; provides leadership opportunities; and…

Fifteen gifted students (grades 1-6) in a magnet school participated in phenomenological interviews. The students described the social milieu of the school as the backdrop for the meaning of the experience of attending the school. Four themes emerged across magnet school experiences, others, role, personal development, and time. (Contains…

Asserts that play is an important medium for young children's learning, one that contributes to the child's cognitive, physical, emotional, and social development. Discusses the qualities that distinguish play from other activities, the skills children develop from exposure to a variety of play experiences at home and in the classroom, and…

Followed from infancy to age 7 internationally adopted children placed before 6 months. Found that girls were better adjusted than boys, except in cognitive development, and that easy temperament related to higher levels of social, cognitive, and personality development and fewer behavior problems. Attachment security and maternal sensitivity…