Mikhail Bakhtin is a latecomer to the field of child development. His contributions emphasize the dialogic nature of language as a lived event of becoming for all and de-thrones any monologic truths that might be told otherwise. Dismantling any master theory that might determine the ways children are known (or know-able), Bakhtin offers a…

Examines alternative views of creativity. Considers creativity as a function that is structured linearly. Discusses creativity research that obviates meaning implied in the ways in which one accounts for experience. Notes that, in the present conception of creativity, traits that exist in combinations influence the production of creative actions.…

Reviews literature on the transformational nature of creativity, in which the individual, during and after interacting with his or her environment, takes information provided by the culture and transforms it based on previous experience. Notes that young children can develop transformational ability through dramatic play in which they are involved…

Discusses the reciprocal, interactionist activity of creativity. Suggests an explanation of how specific characteristics of personality, cognitive style, and situation develop creativity. Notes that these factors are interrelated--none is sufficient for creativity by itself--and that creativity can be explained only by a model that encompasses all…

Analyzed the extent to which children's design activities followed the same pattern or differed, based on observations of a group of six-year olds over time. Found that all children in the sample demonstrated the ability to perceive, image, and model, which is a key to designing, and that teachers can intervene to promote children's designing…

Examines the differences between imagination, creativity, and fantasy, and presents the relationship of imagination to creativity. Suggests that the basic distinction between imagination and fantasy is that while imagination is related to reality, fantasy is related to unreality. The link between imagination and creativity lies in the opportunity…

Examined relationships among young children's metacognitive processing and creative ability, based on information-processing theory and Vygotsky's early thought development theory. Twenty-one five- and six-year olds were assessed on four attributes of creativity, and their private speech was coded. Specific qualities and characteristics of…