Cognitive and Language Development VIDEO
Middle childhood, from ages 6-12, is a time of significant growth and development. This video explains the theory of information processing which contributes to cognitive and linguistic advances in school age children. The video is an excellent tool for caregivers. Not available for preview.
One 29-minute video. © 2000.

Constructing the Self VIDEO
This program studies how children continue to transform between the ages of 4 and 11 as they confront and come to terms with fear, adversity, death, and their nascent sexuality. Much attention is paid to the latency period, the intermediate age when boys and girls suddenly stop playing together, crave alone-time, and often clash with their parents. Child psychiatrists, psychologists, and counselors discuss the value of saying no and how establishing limits helps a child deal with adulthood's parameters. Not available in French-speaking Canada. (52 minutes, color)

Emerging Communication Skills VIDEO
This program explores the development of language during the first six years of life. While language development begins at birth with the sound of the human voice, caregivers need to provide the building blocks so that children can learn language skills during these first six years. (22 min.) A Meridian Production

Inspire and Challenge VIDEO
This program will help parents to cultivate their child's curiosity and love of learning by providing age-appropriate activities. Parents will also learn how to follow their child's direction in play and to allow the child enough time to fully explore their own interests.
One 10-minute video and teacher's guide. © 2003.

Math and Science for Preschoolers VIDEO
Child-care facilities can help move children ahead of the game by using math and science activities to encourage development in these areas before they attend school. The simple exercises may be taught on a one-on-one basis, or to a group. This program is a must for any contemporary child-care facility that encourages learning. (13 min.) A Meridian Production.

Perception VIDEO
Carried in the womb, carried by their parents, and, finally, carried by their own two feet, children are continuously absorbing the stimuli of their world. In this program, mothers and fathers and a wide range of specialists provide insights into the stages of perception experienced in the first three years of life. Topics related to the perception process include parental roles in child-raising, the daily interactions that mold the physiology of the infant brain, the effect of a child's sex on parental expectations and societal acceptance, and enculturation through naming and ceremonies. Not available in French-speaking Canada. (53 minutes, color)

Recognizing Children with Special Needs VIDEO
It's often difficult to determine a solution, unless you know all of the symptoms. This is especially true for parents who see their children less than does their child-care provider. In these cases, it is essential that you, as the child's primary caregiver, not only recognize their special needs, but additionally respond to them. This video describes a wide range of special needs symptoms from minor balance and movement problems to major or grand-mal seizures. (18 min.) A Meridian Production.

Study of the Child: Theories of Development VIDEO
This video presents child development theories in action: cognitive, psychosexual, psychosocial, behaviorist, social learning, and sociocultural. The video focuses on the fact that theories often force caregivers to dwell on "parts" rather than "the whole child." A realistic interpretation of theories from Piaget, Freud, Erickson, Gesell, Skinner, and Vygotsky will clearly show the contradictions and lead to powerful discussion about how theories have impacted child development education. Not available for preview.
One 29-minute video.

Talking VIDEO
For the newborn, the notion of coexistence—that there are others in their world with whom they can communicate—begins with crying. In this program, researchers and other experts join with parents to discuss the steps children go through in mastering their mother tongue. Topics include the process of cognition, a baby's ability to make use of body language and semiotic gestures, babbling as a precursor to language acquisition, timeframes for learning to speak, and growing up in a multilingual home. Not available in French-speaking Canada. (55 minutes, color)

The Gifted Child VIDEO
When a child displays advanced skills in one or more areas of development, a special challenge is set before teachers, parents, and childcare providers alike. This program seeks to foster an understanding of gifted children by identifying their characteristics, addressing their educational needs, and recommending ways to enhance their development. A Meridian Production. (24 minutes, color)

The Learning Process VIDEO
Eager for knowledge, a child is by nature curious about everything. Why, then, is school such an unpleasant place for some children? In this program, teachers, researchers, a psychoanalyst, a neurologist, a neurobiologist, a psychomotor specialist, and others examine the process of learning and the classroom as a learning center. Mastery of reading and writing—the key to unlocking all forms of communication and the entry point to many other exciting domains—is emphasized. In addition, the concept of multiple intelligences is explored. Not available in French-speaking Canada. (52 minutes, color)

To Talk VIDEO
Why do babies—from their very first day of birth—prefer the sound of another human's voice over every other sound? Is language learned in the womb? How is it that infants can distinguish sounds of other languages from their own native tongue? And why does this process stop after ten months? Using the most current research from internationally recognized expert Dr. Andrew Meltzoff and other leading psychologists specializing in infant communication, this program explores the baby's linguistic journey, from cooing to "Motherese" during the initial months, and on to the "Language Explosion" after the first year. A Discovery Channel Production. (52 minutes, color)

To Think VIDEO
Featuring over a dozen short experiments conducted by researchers from universities across the nation, this multifaceted program investigates how infants learn to grasp the rules of logic. From knowing the patterns of light and darkness that make up a parent's face to deducing the many examples of object permanence, from basic knowledge of addition and subtraction to understanding other people's intentions, the baby human's mind is always expanding. A comprehensive study of how babies develop their consciousness and a sense of place in the world. A Discovery Channel Production. (52 minutes, color)

Understanding Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder VIDEO
Found in both children and adults, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is looked upon by some as having a physiological cause while others see it as a psychological disorder. This program offers diverse and candid opinions from both sides of the debate. Is medication the best treatment, or is behavior modification combined with increased structure and discipline the preferable course? A classroom teacher, a social worker, a behavior specialist, a pediatrician, and a parent with twins who have ADHD offer their insights. A Meridian Production. (20 minutes, color)

Understanding Learning Disabilities VIDEO
How could a child be a top math student yet not be able to read? Why can another child read well but not be able to write a paragraph that makes sense? While watching children being taught new ways to learn, this program offers expert insight into the nature of learning disabilities, why learning disabilities may also be accompanied by ADHD or social disorders, and what can be done to help children learn to compensate and succeed. A Meridian Production. (16 minutes, color)