Expresses concern over the apparent deprivation among young children of the important range of sensory experiences that are found in quiet places. Argues that classrooms have so much inviting play that time and space for quiet reflection are lacking. Provides specific "quiet" ideas and practices for use in child care settings. (SD)

Describes an art activity in which Tim Grunwald, a blind member of the community, taught the students to see in a new way. Explains that the students explored how clay feels, smells, and is molded as they closed their eyes; this experience helped the students escape from an intense world of visual images. (CMK)

Thirty-seven students who were blind or had low vision listed as many examples of 10 categories as they could and the prototype order of examples was scored. No differences between blind or low-vision students were found, but categories with which the students had a greater degree of direct sensory experience produced more examples and higher…

Examined two aspects of the specificity of practice hypothesis using a tracking task. In one experiment, visual or auditory feedback about performance was provided. In a second experiment, visual and auditory information were combined. Both experiments supported the specificity of practice hypothesis. Instructing participants to attend to one…

When a baby is born, parents check for fingers and toes, and over the next few weeks remain alert to whether the baby can see and hear. When babies nurse well, parents are assured that the sense of taste and smell are fine. But what about touch? This crucial sense for babies is often overlooked. In this article, the author discusses how to ensure…

Event-related potential (ERP) studies have demonstrated impaired auditory sensory processing in patients with schizophrenia, as reflected in abnormal mismatch negativity (MMN). We sought to extend this finding by evaluating MMN in 13 treatment-refractory patients with schizophrenia, and 14 age- and gender-matched healthy controls. Subjects…

This paper presents an instructional model, developed as part of a research in the Autonomous Metropolitan University, Azcapotzalco, Mexico City. Elements of virtual learning environments and cognitive functions in the learning process supported by didactic strategies are described. Some general characteristics of instructional design are included…

How can language and literacy enhance emotional development in the very young (birth to three years)? Although all children begin to understand their world through language and social interaction, literacy differs from culture to culture. It can range from oral stories of personal and cultural relevance to songs of ethnic pride and includes a…

This book reiterates the fundamental purpose of Maria Montessori's philosophy of bringing about a "better world by nurturing the spirit of the child." The book draws upon published authorities on the importance of the nurturing of the spirit, along with experiences of active Montessorians for everyday examples of nurturing spirituality…

Even though the presence of Japanese products and technology has become commonplace in North America, the Japanese aesthetic has made little impact on North American society. Know as Shibusa, this aesthetic includes an openness to nature, an appreciation of the irregularities of form, a naturalness of daily life, and is seen in a great variety of…

This guidebook is designed to allow individuals to connect, sense and discover their feelings about the natural world and the environment. The guide may be used as a project or independent study in sociology, American studies, environmental studies, psychology, education, or anthropology. To use this material, one is to stop in a natural area,…

This journal issue presents an overview of mother-child interaction during the first year of the child's life. Contents of the first section, which concern the development of the mother-child relationship, focus on the concept of the maternal instinct, mother and child during intrauterine life, birth of the child, the postnatal period (including…

The cause of music consonance perception is not known, but consonance has been defined by both physical and perceptual characteristics. This study tested the extent of differences in interval perceptions and preferences in a non-musically trained group of adults. The independent variables of frequency range, condition of presentation, and harmonic…

Written by parents and intended for fellow parents of severely/multiply handicapped children, the booklet describes a series of awareness activities to enhance children's sensory experiences. Each section includes a brief rationale, background information, and a list of suggested activities for developing the senses of touch, taste, smell,…

This paper suggests a technique for the development, collection, and organization of materials that will aid learning through the use of the senses by building an environmental sense box. England is used as an example of a place that provides many sensory experiences which can be duplicated in such a box. The box can be made from a cardboard…