Argues that reading materials should fit the criteria of relevance, interest, and usefulness if children are to get maximum benefits from reading instruction. (FL)

Discusses some of the novels of Sir Henry Rider Haggard (1856-1925), pointing out that their "simplicity and directness, mythic grandeur, and lack of sentimentality" could make them popular classics for today's children. Urges teachers to introduce Haggard's books to their students. (GT)

Annotates books selected by children from across the United States as their favorites from among 500 children's trade books published in 1979. Books are categorized as beginning independent reading books; books for younger, for middle grade, and for older readers; and informational books. One regional choice (a book popular with Missouri children)…

Describes poetry programs presented to children by a troupe of performers who incorporated music, humor, and audience response in their performances. Lists qualities of the shows that contributed to their success with children. (HOD)

States that "The Cat in the Hat" (1957), written from a basic 225 word list, explores the level of activity that a child needs to keep secret from the adult world, and is a picture book which is also nominally a "reader" and not a storybook. Includes questions for stimulating student response; encapsulates classic elements in…

Identifies least desirable situations for children's television viewing. Details guidelines for family viewing, including previewing programs and viewing together. Discusses ways to use the viewing experience to create interests and dialog, such as discussing and evaluating programs. Describes alternatives to television viewing, including…

Time-diary data on activities of 1,680 children aged 4-13 revealed that children's time spent on home computer use was positively associated with cognitive skill test scores and self-esteem and did not adversely affect time spent on reading, sports, or outdoor play, except for heavy users (over 8 hours daily). Such children had substantially…

Discusses changes in the history of childhood. Argues that the change was not caused by reform pedagogics, but by a movement to popular culture. Describes the functioning of a commercialized children's culture and its definition of happiness. Analyzes possible concepts of education within the framework of such learning environments. (CAJ)

Through a case study of one gifted child, this article explores the themes of being in charge of oneself and one's environment, and of attempting to assimilate dangers in the world around them. Efforts to cope with and understand danger, from natural disaster to daily life, are closely examined. (PB)

Presents brief annotations of 40 children's books originating or published in countries around the world, some of them traditional tales, and all of them dealing with universals of childhood, such as delights, friendship, fantasy, individual identity, and contemporary living. (SR)

Notes that educators must provide time for children to read books of their choosing. Features books themed around what might be referred to as "the culture of childhood," focusing on categories such as childhood curiosity, sports and games, familiar stories and tales, shared and vicarious experiences, and children's victories. Presents a list of…

Evaluated whether parents can affect their children's interest in shared reading. Found that after 1 week, children in the interest intervention group were more interested in shared reading than children in the attention-control group. After 4 weeks, intervention parents still reported increased child interest, although direct observations…

Fifty-five children and their mothers were studied longitudinally from 18 to 42 months to determine the effects of home literacy practices, children's interest in reading, and mothers' metalingual utterances during reading on children's expressive and receptive language development, letter knowledge, and knowledge of print concepts. At 27 months,…

The major objective of this study is to discuss the effects of television on children and adolescents. Our children are spending many hours in front of the television. This study examined the viewing habits and personal opinions of Turkish Cypriot children. The participants were 250 children and adolescents whose ages varied between 4-17. This…

Discusses the relationships between child development and children's literature, concluding that the books which succeed are those that contain identifiable stages of development, regardless of the literary quality so appropriately desired by the adult. (HOD)