Kindergarten; *Psychological NeedS;:Safety; *Self

Purposes of this study were to (1) investigate the validity of Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs as it applies to young children; (2) determine developmental shifts in expressed motivational needs; (3) gather informatipn concerning the worries and fears of young children, particularly those Of-low socioeconomic status; and (4) gather data regarding choices and decisions that teachers allow children to make in the classroom. With Maslow's& hierarchy of needs as a theoretical frame of reference, 200_chiraren in kindergarten; second grade; and fourth grade were interviewed-about what three wishes.they would like to have and why, fears and worries; and what they would like-to study. Children's responses were recorded by a concealed tape machine. An open- ended questionnaire_was used to ask teachers to list choices they allow Children to _ make 'in their classrooms. Findings; supportive of MasoWs framework, indicated that:_(1) expressed ' physiological and love_needs decrease with age; and (2) safety, esteem, and self actualization needs increase with age, ChildrenexPressed siMilar fears despite age, socioeconomic status,-and ability level differences. Teachers reported allowing students to make choices primarily,in nonacademic areas. Further study _ of teacher responses is planned; Appended are summaries of children's wishes, expressft according to grade level and soCioeconomic'status. Children's responses to questions are also categorized and compared. (Lip) *********************************************************i************* * Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made * from the original document..,