In this paper, the author focuses on C of the ABC's of being smart. She continues to categorize the points for readers. These categories include the following: (1) being; (2) doing; and (3) stretching.

From an early age, so much emphasis goes into teaching children the fundamentals of color theory, in particular the primary colors of red, yellow, and blue. Toys, building blocks, furniture, and so many other items used in a preschool environment are manufactured in these three colors. Yet, recent research has uncovered that babies as young as…

Young Children and the Arts: Nurturing Imagination and Creativity examines the place of the arts in the experiences of young and very young children at home and in out-of-home settings at school and in the community. There is great need for development of resources in the arts specifically designed to introduce babies and toddlers to participatory…

THE CREATIVE SPIRIT BEGINS ITS GROWTH WITH A CHILD'S ATTEMPTS TO UNDERSTAND THE WORLD ABOUT HIM AND TO EXPRESS HIS FEELINGS. PRESERVATION AND NURTURE OF THE CREATIVE SPIRIT CAN HELP A CHILD GROW INTO A CREATIVE, CONSTRUCTIVE ADULT. THE CONCEPTS OF CHILD DEVELOPMENT AND CHILD REARING IMPLICIT IN THE WHITE HOUSE CONFERENCE ON CHILDREN AND YOUTH ARE…

Development of problem-solving and creative thinking ability was examined through administration of experimental tasks to 240 gifted children (grade 2 to grade 6). Different patterns of development were noted: problem-solving skills grew steadily from grade 2 through grade 6; while creative thinking increased from grade 2 through grade 4, with no…

This brochure, developed by a manufacturer of wooden blocks and trains, offers advice on the selection and use of toy blocks with children. The guide asserts that blocks, while often thought of as the most simple of toys, have great strength as creativity builders. Topics discussed in the brochure include: "Why We Want Our Children to…

General developmental stage theory itself is briefly summarized, and the literature is reviewed. Suitable modifications of developmental stage theory for gifted children are briefly considered. Three paramount developmental issues for educators of the gifted are examined. (DLS)

A clinical psychologist recounts her childhood efforts to develop creatively despite the discouragements of many of the adults in her world. (DB)

Discusses principles of Montessori music education, examining the fundamental characteristics of childhood and the role that music plays in development. Explores the inner satisfaction that comes from experiencing movement with music through compositions and folk music. Emphasizes the Montessori practices of meeting sensorimotor needs of children…

This paper discusses links among the process of creativity, symbolization, and learning. The importance of symbolization in thinking, in school learning, in child development, and in the behavior of creative learners is stressed. (DB)

Discusses the deleterious effects of television on children's behavior, focusing on television as a medium of communication, and not on the quality of its programming. The criticisms include distortion and mediation of reality, interference with creative and social development, unidirectionality, violence, and inducement toward passivity. (ED)

This paper asserts the importance of allowing children to use their own perceptions in developing their imagination and drawing skills. It discusses why children draw, and how teachers can foster creativity, create appropriate activities, and evaluate the child's progress. Children draw to symbolically explore their worlds, and that by the age of…

The article reviews the literature on two questions: what is the normal course of creative development, and do peak periods exist during which people are most open to efforts to foster creative abilities. Six specific periods are identified as peak periods of creative growth. (DB)

Head Start children (n=446), divided into intervention and comparison groups, received programing to enhance thinking skills. Intervention group children identified as gifted also received programing in their talent area. Intervention group children, whether or not identified as gifted, made significant gains over the comparison group in cognitive…

Proposes the iii system as a theory to clarify how creative drama works. Explains how participants in an arts experience go through an internal process (iii system) of image, imagery, and imagination. Notes that those who experience the richest, most varied drama activity seem to complete this process. (PD)