This book examines the adoption process in Great Britain, recounting first-hand experiences to take the reader through each stage of the process from the adopter's point of view. The book also examines the success and failure of several types of adoption. The chapters are: (1) "You Want to Adopt"; (2) "First Meetings, First Months,…

Drawing upon recent research findings and upon a case study of a child learning to talk and to read, the author outlines the important similarities in the development of both language and literacy. The characteristics of parent-child interaction which support language acquisition--semantic contingency, scaffolding, accountability procedures, and…

In reply to Romulo Magsino's article (in this issue) on balancing the rights of children, parents, and the state, the author urges that children be accorded at least full partnership with adults concerning decisions about their education and overall "happiness." (PP)

Research on early childhood education, child development, and school readiness is used to support the argument that formal schooling for children under 8 or 10 years old is less desirable than home-based instruction. Research on neurophysiology, social-emotional development, cognitive development, school entrance age, parental potential, and other…

Adults should introduce children to philosophy very young. By reading and discussing philosophic themes, children's natural philosophic talents turn toward real life issues. Parents can help children develop more reflective responses to life by playing thinking games, listening to children's comments, exploring philosophic questions when reading…

Differentiates "significant" and "important" preschool events. Claims that it is important to increase the frequency and quality of responsive interactions with individual children; increase awareness of the importance of stable families and a secure attachment to parents; improve interactions with parents to strengthen their…

In this commentary on a previous article that revealed modest and inconsistent results of the Parents as Teachers program, program evaluation work is urged to move beyond simply measuring intervention outcomes to examining the complex interactions between family and child characteristics, intervention goals addressed, processes employed by…

In this commentary on a previous article that revealed modest and inconsistent results of the Parents as Teachers program, issues are highlighted that those involved in real-world evaluation need to consider. Study attrition, defining meaningful primary outcomes, and need to use a participatory approach to develop outcome-based interventions are…

Many children feel a considerable amount of anxiety in connection with their deity and internalize an authoritative being who is both good and evil, kind and abusive. Modeling of this being can continue into adulthood thus continuing to affect cognition and behavior. Implications for counseling and development are discussed. (LKS)

Advances an important new way to conceptualize and assess the causes of parental behavior by examining how internal working models influence parents' beliefs and behaviors. Suggests that a primary source of parents' feelings of self-efficacy with respect to child rearing, as well as their explanations for their children's misbehavior, is the…

Introduces the articles in this issue on caregivers. Emphasizes that the papers focus preferentially on the adult facilitator of early learning and development and on the relationship and interaction of adult with child, rather than exclusively on the child. Each article underlines a different facet of the important job of mentoring done by…

Studied the interactions, goals, and purposes of four mothers as they shared two narrative and two expository texts with their preschoolers. Results suggest that there is no one path to becoming literate, nor one single "correct" model of development. Literacy learning is an activity that involves the collaboration of parents and…

Argues that an evolutionary perspective can unite the study of species-typical development and individual variation. Provides examples from the domains of personality, social, and intellectual development. Maintains that understanding the ways in which genes and environments work together helps developmentalists identify children who need…

Home-based and school-based literacy programs are analyzed. Creative play in home-based programs is contrasted to play in the teacher-directed school. School-based literacy programs that embed academic skills in meaningful experiences are advocated. Other desirable qualities of literacy programs are considered. (DG)

Discusses the state of education, social problems, and child welfare. Urges teachers to press government representatives to better the lives of children in the United States by allotting more funds for education, health care, and the fight against poverty. Argues that children need teachers who have faith and confidence in their students. (DK)