Reviews research on the early development of symbolic play. Suggests that symbolic play begins to emerge near the beginning of the child's second year and continues to play an important role in his or her development throughout the preschool years. Proposes basic techniques caregivers can use to facilitate and promote the development of symbolic…

Examines young children's physical development and how growth is linked to cognitive and social development. Discusses problems in American children's diets and the use of height-for-age and weight-for-height as indicators of physical maturity. Considers complexities of the physical-cognitive relationship and identifies possible ways that social…

Reviews research on three issues related to the first edition of the developmentally appropriate practice (DAP) guidelines of the National Association for the Education of Young Children: (1) the prevalence of DAP; (2) teachers and parents beliefs about DAP and influence of beliefs on practice; and (3) how appropriate and inappropriate practice…

Reviews research on the development of children's awareness and feelings related to race and class. Suggests that children's perceptions of themselves and others depends on their majority or minority status in their community and on the quality of contacts they have with other racial groups. Proposes teaching practices that can raise awareness and…

Examines young children's responses to and understanding of death. Discusses children's concepts of death; how their grief process differs from that of adults; stages of grief; factors affecting grief responses; acceptance of children's grief response; support for grieving children, especially funeral services and counseling; and preparing and…

Argues that teachers play a major role in guiding children toward responsible anger management. Addresses what researchers know about the development of children's feeling, expression, and understanding of anger. Examines factors contributing to managing anger including memory, language, and self-referential and self-regulatory behaviors.…

Reviews studies of maternal employment, processes in child care settings, and the link between children's development and family and child care influences. Critically evaluates the risk for children's social and emotional development that may result from infant child care. (BB)

Outlines the basic principles of attachment theory and its implications for young children's social and emotional development. Applies attachment theory to children whose behaviors are especially challenging, using examples from a primary classroom in an urban setting. Asserts that sensitive teachers can build collaborative relationships. (SD)

Reviews theory and research on various aspects of prosocial development, discusses curricula designed to increase the ability of young children to behave in prosocial ways, and lists six factors that can be used to facilitate children's prosocial development. (RH)

Explores the importance of play in the cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development of young children. Functional, constructive, and dramatic play, and games with rules, are examined. Suggests that play is a powerful curricular tool for the kindergarten and primary classroom. Investigates ways to integrate play into the curriculum and to…

Indicates how various degrees of malnutrition affect children's development. Reviews research conducted in several developing countries and the United States, and describes the nutritional status of children in the United States. Implications for nutrition programs, research and policy formation are pointed out. (Author/RH)

Discusses Vygotsky's theory and the research stimulated by it. Notes that the vast literature on children's play reveals that its contributions to child development can be looked at from diverse vantage points. Suggests that Vygotsky's theory has much to say to teachers about the importance of promoting make-believe in preschool and child care…

Discusses rough-and-tumble (R&T) play and misconceptions about its role in the development of young children. Contrasts R&T with aggressive behaviors. Discusses the educational benefits of R&T and offers recommendations for incorporating it into young children's curricula. (Author/RWB)

Contends that young children show surprising awareness of other's feelings. Provides background research concerning children's understanding; addresses levels of understanding of perception, emotions, desires, and beliefs; advises how parents and teachers can support children's development of understanding; and notes the powerful role and…

Reviews selected research on children's early formation of categories. Finds sophistication in how children group objects and think about those groupings. Notes findings related to type of grouping (thematic or taxonomic), multiple classifications, overgeneralization, the role of background knowledge on classification abilities, the…