Presents both pros and cons about the effectiveness of this educational TV program. Indicates that no very substantial contribution can be made toward narrowing the achievement gap between advantaged and disadvantaged children. (CC)

Thirty White, working-class men and women, born near the turn of the century, were interviewed about the experience of childhood in a southern mill village, Carrboro, North Carolina, before and during World War I. (RM)

Argues that reading materials should fit the criteria of relevance, interest, and usefulness if children are to get maximum benefits from reading instruction. (FL)

Discusses some of the novels of Sir Henry Rider Haggard (1856-1925), pointing out that their "simplicity and directness, mythic grandeur, and lack of sentimentality" could make them popular classics for today's children. Urges teachers to introduce Haggard's books to their students. (GT)

Annotates books selected by children from across the United States as their favorites from among 500 children's trade books published in 1979. Books are categorized as beginning independent reading books; books for younger, for middle grade, and for older readers; and informational books. One regional choice (a book popular with Missouri children)…

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)

Gives her perception of the current state of children's education and how it might be improved. (Author/AM)

States that "The Cat in the Hat" (1957), written from a basic 225 word list, explores the level of activity that a child needs to keep secret from the adult world, and is a picture book which is also nominally a "reader" and not a storybook. Includes questions for stimulating student response; encapsulates classic elements in…

Identifies least desirable situations for children's television viewing. Details guidelines for family viewing, including previewing programs and viewing together. Discusses ways to use the viewing experience to create interests and dialog, such as discussing and evaluating programs. Describes alternatives to television viewing, including…

Time-diary data on activities of 1,680 children aged 4-13 revealed that children's time spent on home computer use was positively associated with cognitive skill test scores and self-esteem and did not adversely affect time spent on reading, sports, or outdoor play, except for heavy users (over 8 hours daily). Such children had substantially…

Discusses changes in the history of childhood. Argues that the change was not caused by reform pedagogics, but by a movement to popular culture. Describes the functioning of a commercialized children's culture and its definition of happiness. Analyzes possible concepts of education within the framework of such learning environments. (CAJ)

Through a case study of one gifted child, this article explores the themes of being in charge of oneself and one's environment, and of attempting to assimilate dangers in the world around them. Efforts to cope with and understand danger, from natural disaster to daily life, are closely examined. (PB)

Presents brief annotations of 40 children's books originating or published in countries around the world, some of them traditional tales, and all of them dealing with universals of childhood, such as delights, friendship, fantasy, individual identity, and contemporary living. (SR)