Explores research on development of integrated speech-gesture system from its origins during the one-word period of language learning through childhood. Concludes that, although there may be a brief period prior to onset of two-word speech during which gesture and speech are not well integrated, ability to convey and interpret speech and gestures…

Compared production of gestures, signs, and words by a child simultaneously acquiring sign language and speech to that of a group of children exposed only to speech. Found that exposure to sign language influences the extent to which the manual modality of expression is used for communicative purposes but does not alter the rate or course of…

Describes a 14-year program of research, the focus of which was the capacity of normal infants to incorporate gestural symbols into their earliest expressive vocabularies. Explores the effects of such gesturing on vocal language development, the theoretical implications for researchers, and the practical applications for parents. (Author/EV)

Investigated effects of stuttering on gesture for adults and children. Found through transcription of videotaped narratives that during bouts of stuttering, the coexpressed gesture always waits for fluent speech to resume. Also found that the lower ratio of spoken words to coexpressed gestures for children may be due to lower attentional/cognitive…

Although gestural communication is largely visuo-spatial, the extent to which a visual model is necessary for the development of gesture is unclear. This article summarizes recent research on gesture production by congenitally blind speakers and discusses the implications of these results for the hypothesized link between gesture and thought.…

Summarizes research on structure of gesture produced in absence of speech. Finds that gestures of both hearing individuals who have been asked not to speak and deaf individuals who depend solely on gesture to communicate (including homesigners) exhibit characteristics typically associated with speech; gestures are segmented and linear rather than…

Examines the central issues in the debate over the importance of multicultural education in elementary and middle schools. Argues that maximum benefits for students will occur when multicultural content is infused throughout the K-8 curriculum levels. Discusses system-wide and classroom challenges in designing and implementing a multicultural…

Examines controversial positions in the field of race relations that provide a context for multicultural interventions. Discusses issues of rejection of assimilation, the rise of multiculturalism, the acceptance of linguistic diversity, and the cultural critique posed by Afrocentrism. Notes key points in these changing attitudes for practitioners…

Offers strategies for using children's books as tools for teaching able-bodied children about the unique needs of children with disabilities and how disabilities are an important aspect of cultural diversity. Notes five genres for conducting bibliotherapy: fiction, nonfiction, self-help books, fairy tales, and picture books. Provides an annotated…

Presents the dilemma of infusion of Christian ideology in public education faced by ethnic-immigrant families. Explores three factors challenging the validity of non-Christian beliefs and disfavoring bicultural and bilingual socialization of ethnic children: family structure and religiosity, community orthodoxy, and Christian education in public…

Examines the therapeutic and cultural factors related to effective substance-abuse treatment for Asian-American adolescents. Discusses recommendations for developing effective and culturally competent treatment service for minority populations. Presents three effective and culturally appropriate treatment models: Psychosocial, Community Treatment,…

Examines the within-group differences that exist among children with some degree of hearing loss. Argues that considering these differences will assist service providers in improving services. Provides a rationale for viewing service options for these children and their families as parts of a whole. Discusses the implications of this perspective…

Argues that all children have the right to a safe environment in which to learn, and the right to achieve their full human potential, no matter what their sexual orientation. Highlights needs of gay, lesbian, and bisexual students in schools. Examines challenges in personnel, curriculum, policies, and parental involvement facing…

Describes a time-limited group model of intervention based on culturally sensitive practice for African-American children, ages 8-12 years old. This group model emphasizes the role of social workers in providing culturally sensitive treatment; introduces this specific model for practice in the short-term treatment setting; and provides specific…

This study investigated the social integration of fifth-grade children with emotional disabilities in the educational setting. Results suggest that children with emotional disabilities benefited from their participation in the school setting. Able children participating in the study also benefited from their interaction with special-needs…