Two experiments look at factors influencing the ways children construct an abstract representation of story structure that contains the characteristics described by story grammars. (RWB)

Maintains that play is a basic activity necessary for normal development of young children; it aids in the development of cognitive skills, social skills and moral rules, control of one's environment, emotional release, flexibility/creativity and physical ability and condition. Also presents teachers and parents with ideas to encourage play.…

This study investigated whether a global cognitive development construct could effectively predict both concurrent and future Grade 1 achievement in reading, writing, and mathematics and whether there were gender differences in the relationship between the construct and achievement. Sixty-five first grade pupils were selected for the study.…

Describes a stage structure concern for children and phonics. Discusses that among all of the cognitive concepts and abilities constructed by young children, quantitative operations are most closely associated with early successful use of phonics. (JK)

The multiple intelligence theory is based on cultural contexts, biological analysis, developmental theories, and a vertical theory of faculties. Seven intelligences are identified: linguistic, logical mathematical, musical, spatial, bodily kinesthetic, interpersonal, and intrapersonal. The theory's educational implications are described,…

Studies the effect of intellectual development, degree of field independence, mental capacity, amount of prior genetics knowledge and amount of fluid intelligence on reading comprehension and/or genetics achievement of students enrolled in a nonmajor biology course. Concludes that developmental level was the most consistent predictor of…

Describes classroom activities to help children determine cause and relate the changes to the substances being changed. Advocates the use of "change jars" and making daily observations to teach the concepts that certain conditions promote change. Includes ideas using temperature, moisture, rotting, and sprouting to teach the concept of change. (CW)

Examines the research relating nutrition and diet to achievement in reading and language arts, and suggests ways teachers and parents can use this information. (ARH)

Examines the relation between dyadic synchrony and child compliance during the toddler period. Demonstrates that children are more likely to comply with synchronous caregiver instructions than with asynchronous instructions. Discusses results in light of both cognitive and emotional factors of toddlers. (Author/RWB)

Examines research which suggests that children's developing knowledge about traditional gender roles has a substantial influence on how children process information pertaining to gender. Evidence also shows that as children attain gender constancy, their behaviors become especially responsive to gender-related information. (Author/RWB)

Supports the position that although individual differences have often been ignored, children do differ in the stereotyping of their gender identities and attitudes (gender schemata). Stresses that children with traditionally stereotyped gender schemata process information about gender differently from children who have less stereotyped schemata.…

Takes the position that despite changes in society and in the ways that researchers conceptualize gender schemata, stereotypes about occupations persist. Questions to what extent experimental interventions have been successful, and considers how intervention and intervention goals should be reformulated for the future. (Author/RWB)

Considers role of multicultural literature in stimulating children's language and cognitive development. Argues that a well-balanced multicultural literature program includes literature that depicts people with a variety of aspirations, from different socioeconomic levels and occupations, and with a range of human characteristics. (DST)

Focuses on three interrelated issues: (1) developmental theories of humor (2) variables that facilitate children's responses to amusing literature, and (3) strategies for the evaluation and more effective use of humorous children's books. Provides examples of books, an overview chart of the general chronology of children's humor development, and…

Describes three studies that examined how young children distinguish between the real, physical world and the mental world; between objects and thoughts; and between doing something and imagining it. (HOD)