This study examined elbow angle during a fine motor task (threading a needle), in the context of positions used in preclinical training exercises and assumed by practitioners performing dental procedures. The 101 subjects tended to choose an obtuse angle (mean of 125 degrees) and to vary this angle only slightly in repeated trials. (DB)

Research on object exploration by infants addresses milestones in the process by normally developing infants, including spontaneous manipulation strategies. Implications for developmentalists working with high-risk preterm infants are noted, including the need for direct assistance in manipulation and for selection of materials. (CL)

Use of manipulatives is neither a sufficient nor a necessary condition for meaningful learning. Provides some incidents in support of the argument. Lists 14 references. (YP)

Describes materials mastery and symbolic development as two discrete but related processes that preschool children learn. Uses the preschool setting to identify the developmental stages of construction play. (AS)

Describes an activity to create squares by placing different numbers of tangram pieces together. Discusses why the combination of six tangram pieces can not create a square. Presents diagrams of the tangram pieces and the squares made. (YP)

Various counting tasks were presented to 24 congenitally, totally blind children, aged 3-13, to determine the behaviors employed to ensure accurate counting. Three dimensions of tactile strategies were found, including "scanning,""organizing," and "partitioning." A developmental progression in the ontogenesis of each…

The educational program of a student with autism most easily and beneficially begins with manipulation of objects. Short periods of time should be allotted to each activity to hold attention and ensure success. Partial participation and an individualized reinforcement schedule are important elements in the instructional design. Assistance in…

Describes eight learning centers/activities designed to promote tactile/sensory experiences in younger children. (JN)

The purpose of this Spanish-language manual is to help preschool teachers better understand theoretical concepts related to children's play. Following a preface that discusses UNESCO's activities related to early childhood education, the two main sections of the manual discuss children's play between 0-2 years and 2-7 years. Each section includes…

Described is how using LOGO tools for manipulating embodiments of geometric objects helps students construct more abstract and coherent concepts. Discussions are included on developing verbal definitions versus constructing concepts, tasks for integrating turns and angles, group discussions, and maze tasks. (KR)

This manual contains a work sample intended to assess a handicapped student's ability to move the fingers and manipulate small objects with the fingers, rapidly and accurately. Section 1 describes the assessment and lists related occupations and DOT codes. Instructions to the evaluator are provided in the next section. The conditions and…

This manual contains a work sample intended to assess a handicapped student's ability to move the hands easily and skillfully and the ability to move the hands in placing and turning motions. Section 1 describes the assessment and lists related occupations and DOT codes. Instructions to the evaluator are provided in the next section. The…

The purpose of the study was to determine whether particular aspects of movement control influenced the performance of 2-year-old children on a standard developmental test, and thus influenced assessments of intellectual progress based on that test. Six cerebral-palsied (CP) children were compared with six children not suffering motor system…

Describes several tests for determining dominance of children's hands, eyes, feet, and thumbs. Discusses the relationship between hemispheric brain dominance and dominant sides of the body. Suggests that raising questions about generalizations can lead to new learning. (TW)

A resource and activity guide for the developmentally disabled that focuses on fine motor skills is presented. Attention is directed to fine motor behavior during the first year (vision, grasp, and release and reaching), and behaviors developing at 13 months (the interaction of fine motor and cognitive skills). An introductory section considers…