Three experiments explore factors associated with the development of certain symbolic abilities (verbal, maplike, and mathematical) in 4-10 year old Negro and white children. The experimental tasks required a synthesis of concepts with symbolic stimuli. (MH)

Observation indicated that children most frequently represent objects by performing actions appropriate to the represented objects. With increasing age, children represent objects without using functional actions and with objects bearing little physical similarity to the represented objects. (Author/DB)

Toddlers were asked to find a hidden toy based on one hidden in a scale model of the room, after varying periods of delay. Subjects experiencing a longer delay on the first trial performed more poorly than those experiencing the long delay later in the trials. Results indicate the difficulty for children of keeping a symbol-referent relation in…

Two studies examined understanding of notational representation among 3- to 5-year-olds. Children solved problems when shown cards with a picture or word indicating identity or a quantity indicator. In the easier condition, children had difficulty solving the problems as a function of their familiarity with the notation, suggesting weaknesses in…

Research on young children and their understanding and use of models indicates that they have particular difficulty understanding and using symbols that are in themselves interesting objects (have dual representation). Implications for the use of symbols for educational purposes are discussed, reviewing several commonly used symbolic objects. (SLD)

This paper aims to establish a link between the felt quality in musical expression and the psycho-somatic structure of the person playing. This includes specific areas of the body, a corresponding set of emotions and thought patterns, as well as the deeper needs of the person. Discernment of felt quality is facilitated by using the symbolic…

Reading mathematics differs from reading prose, and needs special treatment by the teacher. Thirteen necessary skills are described; these include knowing what to read next, using mathematical words, seeing and understanding symbols, reading charts, and searching for meaning. Techniques and activities to enhance these skills are discussed. (SD)

Author argued that in our efforts to understand the environment we should not neglect the technology which makes building possible. He noted that construction methods can give us information about culture and history. He proposed an intriguing way of teaching structural principles via symbols. (Editor/RK)

Children, aged 5, 8, and 11 years, were tested to assess the conformity of their developing symbolic gestural abilities to imagery processes. Results are discussed in terms of Piaget's conception of stages in imagery development. (ST)

Some research has found that observers believe overt mimicry is socially unacceptable and embarrassing in the presence of a stranger. It was hypothesized that observers would inhibit their mimicry of learned pairs of gestures in the presence of a stranger, and that their learning would be adversely affected unless they compensated for the…

Twenty-four psychotic children (5-15 years old) were required to represent absent objects (e.g. toothbrush) via pantomime after receiving verbal instructions or instructions accompanied by a model demonstrating the pantomime. (Author/CL)

This article examines the abilities children exercise in a variety of record-making activities, including mapping, quantification, and music notation. The ways teachers and educational climates promote different versions of literacy are discussed. Children's conceptions of literacy are examined. (JL)

Investigated the effects of model status and various symbolic modeling procedures on brainstorming behavior in female undergraduate education majors (N=136). Results indicated that more solutions were produced by the experimental and higher-status model groups than by the control and peer model groups. (LLL)