This paper presents a review of the literature on toy play in infancy and early childhood, with an emphasis on both normal development and special considerations for young children with disabilities. Specifically, it describes children's encounters with toys within a developmental framework, identifies characteristics of the child and aspects of…

The article discusses the rationale and advantages of school-based parent training in child behavior management. The research literature on behavioral parent training is reviewed. Information on packaged behavioral parent training programs, as well as other resources for practitioners and parents, is provided. (Author/DB)

Safely driving a play vehicle requires many skills. This article offers several suggestions to parents on teaching preschoolers how to operate play vehicles safely and on pedestrian safety in general. A list of teaching aids for play vehicle safety, appropriate for parents and teachers, is included. (IAH)

These workshop materials describe an approach to teaching children about dinosaurs. The lesson centers on a story written by Dr. Edith Bondi and illustrated by Shawn Turung, entitled "Just Like People." The story, appended, consists of 36 ways dinosaurs are similar to and, occasionally, different from human beings. Illustrations, too,…

One of nine brief guides on using computer technology, this guide is directed to parents of children with disabilities and provides an overview of computer use with handicapped children and suggestions for ways parents can learn more about the potential of technology to aid their children. Instructional software for classroom or home use generally…

Because parents-to-be in Santa Barbara needed hands-on, practical assistance prior to the birth of their child, Postpartum Education for Parents (PEP) volunteers organized the Baby Basics program. Like all PEP services, Baby Basics is a supplement to, but not a substitute for, medical advice. Part 1 of this guide describes the history, philosophy,…

The home computer must be outfitted with high quality software to be a valuable educational tool. Suggestions on where to look for software and standards to use in evaluating materials are offered. (DF)

This guide describes an instructional technique, Power Card Strategy, that provides a visual aid to assist students with Asperger syndrome and autism in making sense of social situations, routines, the meaning of language, and the hidden curriculum of the classroom. Power Card Strategy makes use of the intense special interests characteristic of…

Parent guidelines for selecting appropriate software for three- to five-year-olds address trying the software out, what to look for, and what to expect. Evaluation criteria cover appropriate vocabulary level, individual needs, child involvement, target audience, creative presentation, and useful feedback. (CB)

This report provides 1-page reviews of 113 highly-rated computer software programs, identified from the evaluation reports of the following 16 evaluation services and educational technology magazines: Province of Alberta (Alberta Education), Baltimore County (Maryland) Public Schools, Province of British Columbia Ministry of Education, California…

This guide is designed to accompany "The Great American Landmarks Adventure," a book for students that describes 43 of the National Historic Landmarks located in the United States. The guide includes suggested activities in the areas of: (1) art and communication; (2) architecture and engineering; (3) commerce and economics; (4) home and…

THE FOLLOWING IS THE FULL TEXT OF THIS DOCUMENT: STICKER MITT: (Creative Concepts Unlimited, P.O. Box 176, Elmhurst, IL 60126) A plastic mitt with small suction cups on the palm of the glove so that a plastic ball will easily adhere to it. This ensures a successful experience for children who have never caught a ball!! Approximate cost: $8.95.…

In 1978, the Administration for Children, Youth, and Families, through its Head Start program, designed and implemented the Basic Educational Skills (BES) project to foster Head Start children's readiness for school and their subsequent achievement in elementary school. The purpose of this document is to disseminate elementary-level BES materials.…

Folkpatterns is a 4-H program in which young people investigate folklore, cultural traditions, and local history. These materials include a leader's guide and Folkpatterns activities. The leader's guide provides information for leading a Folkpatterns project and 12 sample meeting plans to be used with Folkpatterns members or to be adapted for use…

The handbook consists of a series of bibliographies of instructional materials published in the United States and Canada which are considered suitable or readily adaptable for the education of gifted and talented students at elementary and secondary levels. An introductory section describes the handbook's purpose, intended audience, content and…