From the time they are born, human beings are predisposed to learn and enjoy music. Children especially are open to it, and research increasingly has shown that exposure to music and especially participation in making it - by singing and playing simple percussion instruments - is invaluable in helping childrens brains develop the - neural bridges - that make them stronger.

Beginning with Sigmund Freud, modern child development theories have changed the way that parents raise their children and the way that teachers teach those children. This video is an entertaining and enlightening view of the major child development theories, how the theories differ and how more than one approach can be beneficial. Historical footage and photos are combined with candid documentary footage from day care centers.

Children learn language without much help at all – and yet teachers and schools can play a vital role in helping their students develop critical linguistic skills. This program addresses both the development of language, and the ways in which its acquisition can be enhanced by skilled educators. Viewers will learn how early communication (cries, gestures and sounds) gradually grows into a spoken language that allows a child to explain herself to...

In the summer of 1975 John Marshall and Roger Hart documented the outdoor play activities of the children in a small Vermont town. Roger had just completed his dissertation from Clark University on the geography of children. John's 13 hours of 16mm footage comprised part of his detailed research on children's outdoor lives, studying the role of play in children's psychological development as well as its relationship to their understanding of nature...

Learning, playing and learning through play are complex issues that we have tried to simplify and explain with this film. It shows learning taking place through self chosen, enjoyable activities. By following one boy for a year (from his third to his fourth birthday) we see clearly how his development and learning are progressed through his rich play experiences. He is seen playing at home indoors and out and sometimes at his playgroup. He plays on...

Physical play is the first type of play to emerge but also the least researched and most neglected by educators. However this is rapidly changing as educators realize just how vital it is from many points of view. Inbuilt psychological drives mean that children want to be able to do things for themselves and physical play leads to children becoming adept at using their bodies. Being motivated to succeed at tasks is an important factor in effective...

How can we tell if a child is developing normally in its first two years? Learn some of the basic developmental milestones in physical growth, personal and social skills, large and small motor skills and language acquisition. Discover when to seek professional help to assess development, especially for potential problems in hearing and vision. Understand that speech is the most variable area of development. Learn to recognise key motor skill developments....

Two Christian parenting educators describe five ways we can connect with our children: physical touch, quality time, words of affirmation, gifts, and acts of service. These initiatives, when geared to the preferences of each child, make them feel loved and, thus, more receptive to guidance and redirection when needed. The authors are inspiring writers whose examples and quotes from children and parents are instructive. Gary Chapman's uplifting reading...