Describes the activities of three 11- to 13-year-old cousins and one two-year-old during a family vacation. Discusses the youngsters' swings from adult-like behavior to childish rambunctiousness in terms of adult expectations and attitudes. (CB)

What is play? Many researchers have made numerous attempts to discover what play really is. In order to answer the question, a working definition of play must be found. If children learn through play, then it is of utmost importance that parents, children's first teachers, provide opportunities for play at home. Furthermore, parents need to…

What should parents of a child who stutters do if their child speaks more than one language? Research shows that a child's language skills can affect his or her fluency, according to the nonprofit Stuttering Foundation of America. However, it has not been proven that speaking two languages in the home since birth causes stuttering. If the child is…

Suggests ways of encouraging young children to write that are preferable to forcing them to try to have their work professionally published. Points out negative aspects of young children writing for publication, and offers more constructive alternatives. (SKC)

Discusses ways for parents (and educators) to use the life stories of heroes, such as individuals who rescued Jews from the Holocaust, to foster children's moral courage, sense of right and wrong, and commitment to others. (MDM)

Explains free-flow play, in which children make the rules of play, as opposed to adult-led play; stresses the value of firsthand experience; and discusses the relationship of free-flow play to games and representations. Cites 12 ways adults can help children achieve quality learning through free-flow play, including helping children explore and…

Delaying school entry for a year is most often viewed as an opportunity for children to mature and develop critical academic, social and emotional skills prior to entering kindergarten. Many teachers view delayed school entry as a kindness to younger, less mature students who need more preparation for the rigors of formal academics in 1st grade.…

Presents guidelines for parents and teachers on preparing young children (3 to 8 years old) for a visit to the art museum. In preparing children for museum experiences, education for the art museum should be related to child development, begin long before entering a museum ("museum education"), and be sequential. (BB)