In this investigation, we examined children's knowledge of cosmology in relation to the shape of the earth and the day-night cycle. Using explicit questioning involving a choice of alternative answers and 3D models, we carried out a comparison of children aged 4-9 years living in Australia and England. Though Australia and England have a close…

This study investigates the perceptions and practices of early childhood practitioners in relation to the development of thinking in children aged 3-5 years. Five practitioners working in nursery and reception classes in England were interviewed, and sessions were observed in each setting, including discussions with the children. The results…

This paper explores the relationship between "process" quality characteristics in English pre-school centres and the developmental progress made by children between the ages of 3-5 years. A nationally representative sample of 141 English pre-schools participated in this study with longitudinal pre- and post-test measures taken from 2857…

This paper explores what kinds of advantages and strengths the process of learning to read simultaneously in different languages and scripts might bring about. It is based on a socio-cultural view of learning and literacy and examines early literacy in three parallel literacy classes in Watford, England. It analyses the learning experiences of…

Explores the idea of "wonderful children" as a socially defined concept pervading parents' perceptions of their children. Examines professionals' views of young children and possible contradictions which arise within the specific context of child abuse. The analysis is based on interviews with mothers and observations of interactions at…

Developmental outcome was compared in 1,031 Singleton children of teenage mothers and 10,950 Singleton children of older mothers. Children born to teenage mothers and living with them through the first five years of life performed less well than other children in tests of vocabulary and behavior, were shorter on the average, and had smaller head…

Findings that six-year-old children perform substantially better in a conservation of number task if they are asked one question instead of two were upheld when mass and volume materials were used and the age range of subjects was extended to include five- through eight-year-old children. (RH)

Scores obtained by English preschoolers on the McCarthy Scales of Children's Abilities (MSCA) indicated social class and sex differences in performance. Comparison of results with American MSCA norms showed English children performing consistently better than Americans on cognitive tasks. The MSCA was found useful for measuring English children's…

Describes a newly developed method of rating the home environment of primary school children. The method was used in a study to assess the cognitive abilities and school progress of 20 children. Results indicate environmental factors significantly correlate with children's cognitive abilities and demonstrate that not all such factors are related…

The apparently limited classroom application of theories of learning has led to an emphasis on detailed observational studies of teachers in action. This emphasis has produced data concerning management and teaching techniques that is of obvious use to practicing teachers. (CB)

This case study investigated the introduction of a theme from popular culture into a sociodramatic role-play area in a northern England Nursery Infant school, focusing on its effects on 6- to 7-year olds' literacy activities. Findings indicated that the incorporation of themes from popular culture into the curriculum motivated children whose…

This paper reports findings from fieldwork in situations that brought young children and child welfare practitioners together with the aim of diagnosing and treating children's communication difficulties. The findings suggest that communication difficulties tend to be treated as a property of the individual child rather than as an emergent,…

Preliminary results of a study of the extent to which training health visitors in behavior modification techniques improves the effectiveness of their work with families of young children are presented. A total of 14 health visitors were recruited and assigned to training and delay-of-training groups. Selected from case loads, participating…

Argues for the need to provide more counseling services to families with disabled children. Describes three basic frameworks, considered necessary for counseling professionals, including understanding (1) the parent-professional relationship, (2) the psychological functioning of individuals, and (3) the process of counseling. (Author/DST)

Prekindergarten, kindergarten, and first-grade children were asked eight questions to assess their understandings and attitudes about war and peace. An attitude of rejection of war existed at these ages, increasing with age and stronger for females. Implications of this study for peace education curricula are discussed. (Author/DST)