In response to California Legislation that would change the cut-off for the minimum 5-year entrance age from December 2 to September 1, this paper reviews the literature discussing the appropriate age for beginning school. The review includes a brief history of kindergarten and its place in California law; discusses the possible impact of the…

Noting that characteristics such as attachment, honesty, self control, sportsmanship, generosity, and courage may be nurtured or thwarted by parents, teachers, or society, this book examines the roots of male character from birth to late adolescence. It maintains that particular intrinsic biological drives combine with parenting styles and…

This book, for children aged 7 and up, is designed to teach younger children about human biology and healthy sexuality, allowing parents and teachers to answer children's questions. Comic book style, full-color artwork illustrates the age-appropriate text and reflects an elementary school child's interest in biology and how things work. The book…

A 3-year experiment evaluated the effectiveness of the Pyramid program, an educational program for young children from deprived situations and based on two concepts: psychological nearness (principles of attachment theory) and psychological distance (derived from developmental distancing, or the growing ability of a child to comprehend that an…

Suggesting that our society does not know enough about adolescent male development to provide them the love they need to become fully responsible, loving, and wise men, this book illuminates the inner lives of both highly functioning and troubled boys to help parents and educators confront the most common moral and emotional dilemmas of adolescent…

This action research project implemented an intervention program to increase prosocial skills among 3- to 5-year-olds in at-risk prekindergarten classrooms. Participating were 65 students from 2 prekindergarten classrooms in 2 schools. Evidence of problems in social skills was gathered through anecdotal records and observational checklists…

Based on the view that children cannot and should not be categorized into chronological age groups, this guide focuses on children's personal, social, and emotional development and dispositions. The guide encourages educators in early years settings in Scotland to view each child as an individual and to be prepared for the less developmentally…

This paper describes intrapersonal and interpersonal attributes needed for emotional growth and character development, stressing the importance of teaching children personal discipline and doing "good because good is good to do" rather than the use of behavioral interventions. In the area of intrapersonal competence, the paper proposes…

In 2003, Sierra Health Foundation's Board of Directors selected school-aged youth as the target for its next focused grantmaking effort. As part of the program research and development phase, staff and consultants examined evidenced-based practices that appear promising in positively affecting adolescent health and development for young people…

Uses case studies to assess extent to which the "Bubble Dialogue," an application supporting role-play within a comic strip environment, helps abused, adopted, and foster children express feelings, reflect, and debate pertinent issues. Study of the application with comparison group in primary school provides baseline data. Issues arising…

This article discusses instructional variables that contribute to a positive classroom climate and serve as setting events for more focused group-individual instructional programs for students with emotional/behavioral disorders. Nonacademic challenges that should be incorporated into these programs are identified and issues are examined that…

Considers current research on day care for West German children. Maintains that the quality of day care and the psychological development of infants and toddlers are influenced by identifiable characteristics. Claims that through studies on infants and day care, a mediation position can be established on the controversy concerning early day care.…

To support and guide young children's social and emotional growth, teachers can (1) model social behavior; (2) establish environments that encourage positive social exchange; (3) encourage children to become aware of the consequences of their behavior; (4) help children produce acceptable behavior; and (5) encourage children's development of…

Examined relationships among kinship support, family management, and adolescence in 135 African American adolescents, ages 14 to 19. Found that kin social support was positively related to self-reliance and grades, family organization, and parental involvement in schooling, and negatively associated with problem behavior. Poor kin relations were…

Workshop examines resilience in young children. Papers are: (1) "Adverse Effects of Witnessing Violence" (Victor LaCerva); (2) "Relationships and the Developing Mind" (Daniel Siegel); (3) "Support Resilience by Connecting Children with Nature" (Karen Stephens); (4) "Stories of Children in Croatia: Resilience and…