Socioemotional Success

Play

Learning From Passive Versus Active Pretense

Brittany N. Thompson on October 8, 2019

What and how children learn from pretend play are open questions. This research shows that both passive and active pretend play can facilitate learning, at least for simple facts.

What and how children learn from pretend play are open questions. This research shows that both passive and active pretend play can facilitate learning, at least for simple facts.

Play

A New Theory of the Progression of Pretend Play Development

Brittany N. Thompson on June 25, 2019

Capturing the full spectrum of pretend play behaviors is key to understanding its impact on children's development. This new theory is a first step.

Capturing the full spectrum of pretend play behaviors is key to understanding its impact on children's development. This new theory is a first step.

Media

Is Children's Media as Fantasy-Filled as We Believe?

Brittany N. Thompson on March 20, 2019

Research reveals that 91 percent of children's popular media involves the supernatural.

Research reveals that 91 percent of children's popular media involves the supernatural.

Play

Ingredients for Success

Brittany N. Thompson on October 23, 2018

How can we know what children are gaining from pretend play? Carefully designed interventions are a must.

How can we know what children are gaining from pretend play? Carefully designed interventions are a must.

Play

Less Tech, More Talk: Fostering Speech Development in Kids

Brittany N. Thompson on January 25, 2018

Why should parents remove technology and interact more with their kids, and ideas for doing so.

Why should parents remove technology and interact more with their kids, and ideas for doing so.

Play

Beyond Reality: Pretend Play Matters

Brittany N. Thompson on November 18, 2017

What is pretend play? How does pretend contribute to social skill development? What does all of this mean for everyday contexts and interactions for young children?

What is pretend play? How does pretend contribute to social skill development? What does all of this mean for everyday contexts and interactions for young children?

Emotion Regulation

ABCs or Ps and Qs?

Brittany N. Thompson on August 6, 2017

With the new school year quickly approaching, you may be practicing the ABCs and how to count to 20 with your almost-kindergartener, but is this really the key to success?

With the new school year quickly approaching, you may be practicing the ABCs and how to count to 20 with your almost-kindergartener, but is this really the key to success?

Executive Function

Theory of Mind: Understanding Others in a Social World

Brittany N. Thompson on July 3, 2017

When do we develop an understanding of the beliefs, emotions, and intentions of others? How does this understanding set us up for success in other areas of life?

When do we develop an understanding of the beliefs, emotions, and intentions of others? How does this understanding set us up for success in other areas of life?

Autism

Helping Your Child with Autism Improve Social Skills

Brittany N. Thompson on June 16, 2017

As a parent of a child with autism, do you wonder how you can help him approach social situations with confidence rather than anxiety? These strategies can help you help him.

As a parent of a child with autism, do you wonder how you can help him approach social situations with confidence rather than anxiety? These strategies can help you help him.