Talent development research has uncovered common conditions for nurturing talented individuals: enriched early environment, appropriate instruction, long-term and deliberate practice, singleness of purpose, and centers of excellence. Talent research also reveals that parents play a critical role in arranging and facilitating these conditions and…

To address the lack of research in early science learning and young children's informal science experiences, this exploratory case study investigated a 7-year-old girl's (Abigail) emergent science competencies and how they are related to her science experiences in everyday family contexts. Data sources included observations, interviews, parent…

The present study investigated the extent to which mothers' support for their children's sense of competence, autonomy and relatedness predicts their children's interest in math and reading, and also their mastery orientation, during the transition to primary school. One hundred fifty-two children were examined twice during their first grade year…

Children's interests are frequently cited as a source of early-years curricula. Yet, research has rarely considered the nature of these interests beyond the play-based environment of early-childhood education. This paper reports findings from a qualitative, interpretivist study in two early childhood settings in Aotearoa/New Zealand. Using…

Parents have a profound effect on how children's time is spent. How out-of-school time is used, managed, and valued is critical. How many activities are too many, and how to determine your child's interests are discussed. (MT)

Television can be a source of knowledge and information or it can cause negative behavior. Parents can help their children understand the difference between fantasy and reality on television and help make television viewing a positive event. (DF)

Offers suggestions for use by parents and teachers to encourage children to read for pleasure. (FL)

Based on experience of having two children with multiple learning disabilities, the author offers strategies for parents to help children experience success and excellence in their education: (1) never limit expectations or predetermine the final outcome; (2) explore all interests and abilities for hidden potential; and (3) include children in…

The chair of the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports discusses reasons for engaging in lifetime sports and gives guidelines parents can follow to steer their children toward sports they can enjoy. (PP)

Reports findings of a survey of elementary school children concerning their preferences when being read to by others. Gives their responses to the survey's 11 questions and draws recommendations from them. (FL)

Approximately 100 national spelling bee finalists and their parents were surveyed concerning their early literacy experiences and spelling practices. The fourth-eighth grade spellers showed an early interest in language activities; passed through developmental spelling stages earlier than average; and mastered words via visual memory strategies,…