Explores how elementary children reflect upon a wide variety of visual humor, and what beliefs and assumptions arise in their responses. Finds that children found amusement in popular art, but not in fine art; have shared assumptions and understandings about humor by grade two; and that visual humor can expand children's concepts of art. (DSK)

Discusses Foucault's notion of "heterotopia"--real places but which exist unto themselves, such as a floating ship. Considers data on children's use of computer and video games to apply "heterotopia" to children's everyday social lives. Argues that childhood is subject to increasing boundaries, and that children create…

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"…

A soliloquy on how to foster lasting, meaningful connections with nature considers facts, morality, problem solving of real environmental issues, and new high-tech tools, and rejects them all. Most environmentalists attribute their commitment to nature to having spent time outdoors in a keenly remembered wild place during youth. Spending time in…

Explores the most appropriate form of activities to help children develop science concepts. Provides arguments and evidence from a pilot study that point to the significance of wonder for the invitation of children to the world of science. Argues that activities that do not appear to be pedagogically appropriate should not be excluded from…

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…

While critics draw important attention to worrisome aspects of digital cultures, they may be missing a much larger point about how young people live in a digital world, how they create and re-create themselves and their identities in ways that are remarkably foreign to others "digital immigrants". In this article, "digital immigrants" refers to…

This study explores the role of children's news media in establishing meanings of critical situations and promoting notions of active citizenship. A content analysis of three Israeli children's magazines' coverage of the assassination of Yitzhak Rabin is conducted. Findings suggest differences between religious media and secular media in terms of…

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,…

This study investigated the strengths homeless children exhibit. Homeless children living in shelters and children of the same peer group living in low income housing were interviewed about home activities, interests, abilities, talents, character strengths, autonomous behavior, and interactions with adults. All children were selected from first,…

Through his work as a social reformer involved in the people's fight against the Mafia in Sicily, the author has become a widely respected international figure. In this article he has written a description of his most recent project, an experimental school for children of the peasant community in Partinico. (Editor/RK)

To foster individual development, educators must seek the gifts in every child, in those not demonstrating academic abilities as well as in the most brilliant. Instead of stifling thinking, creativity, and interest development, educators must encourage these behaviors. Currently, a big discrepancy exists between the child's potential and what…

To investigate sex-stereotyping associated with computer use, a study was made of effects of gender and age on preschool children's involvement with computers during a school period allowing children to choose from among five alternative activities. A group of 16 boys and 16 girls was divided by age, with the resulting categories consisting of 17…

This bibliography lists articles, dissertations, and books released from 1889 through 1974 that deal with children's reading interests. The publications address such topics as children's preferences in reading textbooks and in recreational reading, the reading preferences of children in various age groups, children's poetry preferences, and…

Suggestions are given on how to write stories for students, taking into consideration plot, vocabulary development, and interest levels. (JH)