Philosophical analysis concerning selfhood and care is of fundamental importance for child care and education. Martin Heidegger's analytic of Dasein introduces the concepts of self and care within the ontological domain while structuring the holistic understanding of human existence. Because of the ontological emphasis, Heidegger's concepts of…

Whilst much thought has been given to the use of storytelling as a tool in the development of children's oral skills, little has been considered with regard to the role of the teacher as a model of good practice in storytelling, as principle storyteller in the classroom. In this paper I have tried to connect a pragmatic approach to classroom…

The history of western societies reveals a recurring theme of standing up for the child's perspective in order to liberate the child from external authority. On the one hand this is related to the rise of enlightened theories of education since the seventeenth century. On the other hand this is related to radical changes in life circumstances of…

Asserts that although no instrument has proved sufficiently robust to recommend universal screening, screening instruments for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can play an important role. Discusses the clinical issues raised in screening for a developmental disorder, including risk status, management advice, and availability of services. Asserts…

Outlines problems faced by parents and caregivers of a child with encopresis. Differentiates between knowledge, skill, and volition issues when dealing with the encoprectic child; and suggests possible causal frameworks for the behavior. Concludes with suggestions for managing the teaching/learning situation arising from this behavior. (Author/KB)

Draws from sociolinguistic perspective, human development, school learning, and language policy to discuss conflicting claims about second-language learning in school. Differentiates between cultural context within micro cultures and school content within global macro culture. Asserts that educators should ensure that learners have access to the…

Contends that cultural practices such as carrying the baby on the mother's back for prolonged periods can impact negatively on development of visual integration during the sensorimotor stage pathways by preventing adequate or enough crawling. Maintains that crawling is essential for cross- modality integration and that higher mental functions may…

Describes changes in the perception and role of fatherhood during the last century. Maintains that official definitions and professional practice rarely confirm fathers' nurturing role, with debilitating results for fathers and families. Contends that legislation, official documents, and procedures should recognize changed expectations of family…

Uses Lewin's field theory as a framework to appraise children's momentary state of curiosity and exploratory behavior. Discusses two levels of analysis: child-stimulus situation and child-stimulus-adult situation. Argues that a parent can be a barrier hindering a child's exploration, or a facilitator to remove barriers. (Author/SD)

Describes the negative effects of anger and exposure to violence for male children in South Africa. Discusses the need for multiple interventions that are both individual- and environmental-centered. Offers detailed recommendations for effective culturally relevant psychoeducational policy initiatives and optimal anger replacement strategies for…

Proposes a national protocol to prevent child abuse and neglect in Africa. Suggests that it be: (1) comprehensive, involving contributions from social service, health, legal, and government agencies; (2) community/neighborhood-based, creating an awareness of family environments; (3) child-centered, taking children seriously as individuals; and (4)…

Examines the traditional place of play in contemporary early childhood programs in light of new directions in theory and curriculum, the push for educational outcomes, and perceived pressures of the global market economy. Maintains that a new focus on teaching through play may provide a way to reconcile demand for outcomes with a concern for…

Reflects on purposes of education, emphasizing that motivation, locus of control, self-esteem, and causal attribution are vital components of a sensitive curriculum. Discusses the role of formal education and the state, ambiguities underlying formal education, and the need for a person-centered approach to curriculum. Concludes with assertions…

Recounts two stories told about life in early childhood centers/schools that reflect the drama played out in the lives of children and teachers to explore the relationship between research and researcher. The stories illustrate three themes: children's agency and power relationships, identity and multiple identities, and the role of early…

Argues that research into the power relations between young children has the potential to provide new insight into children's relations with their peers. Maintains that without such insight, understanding of peer relations can be only partial. Discusses seven themes for the analysis of interpersonal power in children's peer relations. Offers…