Three studies compared the amount of social avoidance behavior by mentally retarded autistic children (N=10 and ages 4-13 years) during either appropriate child-preferred activities or adult determined activities. Results revealed a negative correlation between child-preferred behaviors and social avoidance behaviors. (Author/DB)

Presents an overview of books by De Paola and suggestions for using them with students. (DD)

Notes that poetry written for adults offers children qualities that are often lacking in children's poetry books: a more mature, sophisticated use of language and imagery, and an intriguing, early introduction to figures whose works they will undoubtedly study later. Suggests specific poems that children can enjoy. (HOD)

Examines a classic text, Robert Louis Stevenson's "A Child's Garden of Verses," within the context of several of Stevenson's own essays. Suggests that unlike many children's books, it was an experiment and one that Stevenson, for various reasons, including his premature death, was never able to adapt for future use. (RS)

Interviews Charles Causley, distinguished contemporary British poet, who talks about his art and his work with children. (SR)

Reported is a listing of popular books among children based upon circulation figures analyzed by Dr. Ena Wilson, Supervisor of School Libraries in Detroit, Michigan. (MM)

Traces trends in children's literature and in children's interests from 1950 to the 1970s. Review of current literature reveals preoccupation with modern topics including psychology, science and technology, new career and life-style patterns, and exposing the darker side of life. Traditional aspects of children's literature which remain important…

Discusses the importance of childhood outdoor experiences in fostering an appreciation for the environment. Emphasizes giving children opportunities to find their special places in nature. (JRH)

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…

Children's poetry no longer connotes holidays, nonsense, moral dicta, or the what's, why's, and how's of life, connotations that have frequently stereotyped poetry as sissy, baby, or boring stuff. Children's poems of the seventies suggest that any simple subject has become the province of a poem, including such topics as mud, oil slicks, sharks,…

Reports the results of a study conducted to determine if selected English authors' writings concerning their experiences in childhood revealed a natural appetite for learning geography. Concludes that the evidence shows children are inherently interested in geography, but have often failed to have their interest stimulated and expanded by…

Parents have a profound effect on how children's time is spent. How out-of-school time is used, managed, and valued is critical. How many activities are too many, and how to determine your child's interests are discussed. (MT)

Notes that few books dealing with computers are available for elementary school students. Provides an annotated list of the books that are available and makes suggestions for their use. (FL)

A statistical analysis of a survey of children's desires for their'' theatre concluded children like funny stories with chases, action rather than talk, a happy ending, and no singing. (CH)

The children's song cycle is a group of related songs composed for children, to be sung by adults. Although children's song cycles as a genre have never commanded such attention, these cycles are valuable educational tools that can serve as an introduction to classical music and art songs. (Author)