In order to assess the effect of relaxation training and imagination exercises on the creativity of elementary-age students, 94 children in first through fourth grades were randomly assigned to either a treatment or control group. Prior to the treatment, all students were pretested on the Torrance Tests of Creative Thinking. Children in the…

This first volume in a series from the Research Division of Bank Street College of Education reports the results of a research project which explores the effects different kinds of education have on learning and child development. Fourth-grade pupils in four different urban schools were selected as subjects; each school differed in educational…

AN INVESTIGATION WAS UNDERTAKEN TO EXPLORE THE INSTRUCTIONAL IMPLICATIONS OF JEAN PIAGET'S POSITION ON EQUILIBRATION. ONE PURPOSE WAS TO TEST THE GENERAL HYPOTHESIS THAT THE MISCONCEPTIONS OF CHILDREN, WHEN DISPLACED BY EVIDENCE CONTRARY TO THE MISCONCEPTIONS, GIVE RISE TO COGNITIVE CONFLICTS. THE RESULTS, IN GENERAL, CONFIRM THIS HYPOTHESIS. A…

In a complex domain such as economics, elementary school students' knowledge of formal systems beyond their immediate experience is often too incomplete, superficial, and disorganized to function as schema or model. However, visual imagery is a good technique for teaching young children a network of 10 to 20 propositions and the relationships…

After arguing that there are substantial advantages to incorporating student play as a learning strategy in educational reform, the paper defines play, notes common misconceptions about play, examines reasons why children play, describes types of play, and looks at the function, outcome, and benefits of play. (SM)

A SUMMER PROGRAM DESIGNED TO PROVIDE COMPENSATORY AND ENRICHMENT ACTIVITIES IS PRESENTED. THE ACTIVITIES OF THE CHILDREN, PARENTS, AND STAFF ARE PLANNED TO--(1) OFFER ACADEMIC ASSISTANCE AS NEEDED, EMPHASIZING LANGUAGE ARTS AND MATHEMATICS, (2) STIMULATE IMAGINATION AND DEVELOP LEARNING THROUGH DIRECT EXPERIENCE, (3) PROVIDE EXPERIENCES SIMILAR TO…

Two tests, one with six cursive shapes and the other with six colored angular shapes to be arranged artistically, were examined to determine whether the degree of non-verbal artistic aspects of creativity is greater in products of individuals or in products of groups. Each test was give both individually and in small groups to 499 students (grades…

Explores the importance of play in the cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development of young children. Functional, constructive, and dramatic play, and games with rules, are examined. Suggests that play is a powerful curricular tool for the kindergarten and primary classroom. Investigates ways to integrate play into the curriculum and to…

This conference report is comprised of 23 papers which represent the Third National Conference of the Tri-University Project in which faculty members from more than 60 institutions work with the staffs of three universities (New York University and the Universities of Nebraska and Washington) to determine how elementary school teachers ought to be…

Describes a teacher's experiences and accomplishments teaching art expression to visually impaired children, whose ability to create art and delight in so doing demonstrate that they may have sight loss but are not impaired in imagination. Special techniques for helping these students are described. (SLD)

Reviews research on elementary school students' capacity for historical understanding. Suggests Piagetian theory is not applicable to historical thinking. Considers teaching approaches for developing elementary history instruction, including (1) embedding history in meaningful context; (2) use of narrative; (3) linking past and present; and (4)…

It is widely believed that a child's imagination ought to be stimulated and developed in education. Yet, few teachers understand what the imagination is or how it lends itself to practical methods and techniques that can be used easily in classroom instruction. This book offers practical help for teachers who want to engage, stimulate, and develop…

Noting that the perception of increased real violence in the country has created an inhospitable setting for pretend violent play, this book recounts the experiences of children in a kindergarten and first-grade classroom over the course of one year, focusing on the role of violent fantasy play. The book illustrates how the teacher, with 8 years…

Close to 1,100 people attended the 55th Annual Meeting of the National Reading Conference at the Intercontinental Hotel in Miami, Florida from November 30-December 3, 2005. A record number of proposals were submitted this year (548), with 392 papers, symposia, and round tables accepted. This year's conference theme was inclusiveness and synthesis…