Reviews important advances in the study of emotions in infants and the nature of emotional communication between infants and adults. Discusses the relationship of this communication system to children's development. (Author/BJV)

Proposes three framing assumptions for the study of thinking, involving situated cognition, personal and social epistemologies, and conceptual competence. Outlines evidence consistent with these assumptions, and discusses topics in the psychology of thinking in relation to the assumptions. (Author/BJV)

Reviews current issues in child language acquisition and suggests a research agenda for helping those children who have difficulty mastering the fundamentals of language. (Author/BJV)

Rates children's responses to selected probing questions after they viewed a theatrical production. Finds that (1) those who received continuous class drama and theatre-viewing experiences since kindergarten gave more high-level responses; and (2) there was no significant difference between the way boys and girls responded to the questions. (MS)

Seven full-term infants with severe encephalopathy following perinatal asphyxia were followed longitudinally to two years of age to determine health and developmental outcome and to investigate mother-infant interaction patterns over time. Six infants demonstrated delayed development; five were diagnosed with cerebral palsy. Mother-infant…

The article examines the sparse literature on acquired brain injury in infants and preschoolers, including epidemiology, neuropathology, neurodevelopmental outcome, and treatment efficacy. It suggests blending applied research and clinical practice, emphasizing team approaches, focusing on family involvement, integrating assessment and treatment…

An examination of the status of teaching mathematics to deaf students showed that teachers ignore the hands-on exploration of objects that promotes conceptualization of basic mathematic principles. An arithmetic teaching strategy is proposed which is activity-based and is derived from Piaget's theory of intellectual development in children.…

Presents the results of three studies examining children's conception of the mind itself as an independent, active entity. Findings revealed a developing ability in children to interpret and produce statements personifying the mind and provided considerable evidence of children's movement toward a conception of the mind as an active agent…

Examined infants' tendency, from a few days to nine months of age, to prefer infant-directed over adult-directed speech. Results suggest that exaggerated pitch contours that characterize infant-directed speech may become salient communicative signals for infants through language-rich, interactive experiences with caretakers and increased…

Forty children under three years of age referred for early childhood special education evaluation were randomly assigned to either a multidisciplinary, standardized assessment or a transdisciplinary, play-based assessment. Play-based assessments took less time to complete, resulted in favorable parent and staff perceptions, provided useful…

This article describes one gifted child's social and emotional adjustment over time, as an interaction among many factors including his own personality, his family, and his school situation. The article demonstrates the child's difficulties in elementary school adjustment and describes the changes that occurred which enhanced his self-esteem and…

The potential benefits of massage for infants are discussed, including the role of touch on attachment and bonding and implications of massage for special needs infants. Research results on the benefits of massage for the infant and caregiver are covered, including increased bonding and enhanced growth and development. Historical information on…

Presents theory and research to help preschool teachers understand literacy-enriched play centers, in terms of their purposes and outcomes. Describe a pilot project using play centers in a preschool classroom and provides guidelines for planning and using such a center. (ET)

Evaluated hypotheses examining the role of family characteristics prior to child-care placement in determining child-care use and later child adjustment with a sample of 189 infants and toddlers and their parents. Results provided preliminary support for the hypothesis that parent and child psychological, social, and health characteristics may…

Home interviews conducted with 102 families of children with developmental delays assessed ecocultural family resources, values, goals, and proactive adaptive efforts. Factor analyses on the ecocultural measures revealed 12 salient factors. Some factors were unique and statistically independent of traditional home environment measures. Significant…