American companies currently spend $15 billion a year on marketing and advertising to children under the age of 12. Annually, children influence $500 billion in spending on fast food, junk food, toys and other advertised products, and the average child sees thousands of ads on television alone. From video games and the Internet to cell phones and…

Recounts the activities that a number of bookstores have sponsored in order to generate children's interest in books, such as making valentines in February, having Santa Claus pay a visit in December, and having children tape record their favorite stories so that blind children can listen to them. (DF)

Theories of teaching and learning on human cognition depend on domain-free, general purpose processing by the brain. Cognition is modular in nature and often domain-specific. Children's ideas in science are often triggered rather than learned. Triggered conceptual structures are not necessarily expressible in language and may not be susceptible to…

The atmosphere of focused interaction during a summer conference dealing with professional writing for children is recalled in this publication. The publication reports the experiences of diverse writers-in-residence who spent their days at Lake Chautauqua sharing their love and passion for children's literature--guiding, nurturing, inquiring,…

Describes the author's interest in computers and video games and how they enhance the creative processes of himself and his son. Also includes three Atari programs in BASIC. (CRH)

Many childrens' clubs are available throughout the country and can be a source of enrichment and enjoyment for school children. Information about clubs for those interested in sports-card and postcard collecting, teddy bears, yo-yos, pencils, left-handedness, and other subjects is provided. (PP)

Suggests that students authoring and publishing books for younger children can produce extraordinary results, not the least of which is the effect on children--the ones who make the books and the ones for whom they are made--as readers of literature. (AEA)

The criteria used by children in deciding whether they would like to read a particular book are discussed as a means of providing guidance to adults choosing books for children. The criteria discussed include titles, covers and inside illustrations, information provided on back covers, physical dimensions and print size, and the author's…

In order to promote the understanding of plants, nurture imagination, and provide a place for the enrichment and delight of children, the Michigan 4-H Children's Garden on the campus of Michigan State University has over 50 theme areas for children to experience. History, purpose, and projects are briefly described. (SAS)

Television can be a source of knowledge and information or it can cause negative behavior. Parents can help their children understand the difference between fantasy and reality on television and help make television viewing a positive event. (DF)

A naturalist and designer of public gardens relates her experiences of introducing children to plants and gardens using equipment such as binoculars, stethoscopes, notebooks, photographs, and magnifying glasses. Article provides information is given about many plants, their uses, and related child-centered activities (such as a namesake pumpkins…

Every summer and fall, Japanese children (mostly boys) spend hours catching and playing with insects, or mushi. Different species are associated with the seasons, times of the day, or specific games. Mushi customs are centuries old, were traditionally passed from grandfather to grandchild, and are reflected in electronic and "virtual"…

This article discusses the factors that motivate parents to choose different school trajectories for their children based on their determination to find schools that fit their children's individual needs and/or interests. Research indicates that parents who focus on finding the educational experience to match their child's needs are usually…

Describes a language arts program in a Brooklyn, New York, public school in which children are questioned about their writing and their interests and allowed the freedom to put any interest on paper. Discusses the problems children encounter with such writing freedom, as well as the program's effectiveness. (HTH)

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)