Effective planning for child growth through the curriculum takes into account three things: 1) the pace at which children grow, 2) the individuality of every child, and 3) the need for guidance in meeting the problems of living. (ST)

Reviews the value of art for both individuals and society, and maintains that the outcomes of art education demonstrate that art should be considered an educational essential. (Author/DB)

Gifted children have been neglected by educators even though there is increasing research about the most productive means for educating these children. Acceleration and support pullout groups are not enough. Gifted children need educators sensitive to their physical, intellectual, emotional, and social conditions. Challenging curriculums and…

Presents a rationale for staff development based on encouraging teachers to be more reflective about their teaching and describes some practical examples of teacher reflectivity. (BR)

Discusses children's imaginary companions as a part of human development that adults should strive to understand. (BJD)

Considers the ways young children manifest individual differences and the benefits of acknowledging these differences for both parent and child. Offers suggestions to parents for accommodating and understanding their child's unique traits and behaviors. Stresses the importance of the parent's role in helping children accept and be comfortable with…

Discusses a private preschool/kindergarten program called the Growing-Up Learning Center, located in Baguio City, Philippines. Discusses both the philosophy and program objectives of the staff at the facility. (RWB)

Provides profiles of contemporary figures who can serve as appropriate role models (heroes and heroines) for today's young people. Profiled are Desmond Tutu, Neil Armstrong, Mother Teresa, Lech Walesa, Jesse Jackson, Jacques Cousteau, Sharon Christa McAuliffe, and Anatoly Shcharansky. (SKC)

A comprehensive overview of overstress and understresses in today's schools -- and specific ways for individuals to bring about change. (Editor)

Argues that the social pressures for children to mature rapidly should not prevent adults from addressing the needs of children nor from helping them achieve their normal course of development. (DB)

Explains that adolescence is the process of "becoming" and suggests that anyone who spends time around teens participates in the crises of becoming. (Author/MP)

Refers to the words "spirit" and "spirituality" not in terms of religion but as human qualities that allow children to transcend or move beyond that which they do not yet understand. Illustrates the encouragement of these qualities in a kindergarten program and the program's use of literature to help students grow spiritually.…

Outlines issues surrounding interactive toys and analyzes features of such toys. Describes strategies for educators and parents to mitigate interactive toys' deficiencies and help children interact with them in ways that stimulate imagination and foster development. Asserts that interactive toy use should be limited because only through contact…

An open classroom'' with an integrated day and inter-age grouping is not enough in and of itself...to assure continuity for each child....The role of the teacher is still crucial. (Authors)

Describes practices, facilities, and goals of Cuban day care programs and makes some comparisons with American day care programs. (ED)