Some Japanese cultural characteristics that foster creativity, giftedness, and achievement are examined: and based on these, eight specific suggestions are offered that might be useful in solving some of America's national problems of underachievement, particularly among gifted and talented children. (DLS)

The article focuses on three activities for developing a more creative lifestyle using experiential and guided imagery techniques. (Author/PHR)

This book explores creativity in the context of education, focusing on what creativity is, how it works, and how it can be fostered. The book sets forth general principles for encouraging creativity in schools, higher education, and the family. The chapters are: (1) "Creativity: Basic Concepts"; (2) "The Role of Thinking in Creativity"; (3)…

Asserts that appropriate responses to children's creative work arise from an awareness of, not only the presence of creativity, but also the stages of its growth and development. Presents example responses to children's work for each of the developmental stages: scribbles, line and shape, and semi-representational. (EV)

Asserting that playfulness is an important part of learning to work with others, as well as for attaining traits such as flexible thinking, persistence, commitment, and a love of and fascination with learning, this article presents a review of playfulness development, focusing on children age three to five, and describes 12 teaching-learning…

The review of the literature cites approaches for enhancing the strengths of gifted disadvantaged youth through such "creative positives" as creative problem solving, art activities, dramatics and storytelling, and creative writing. (CL)

Provides creative ways child caregivers can use large and small cardboard boxes to create play and learning environments for young children. (HTH)

Twelve modules are presented for the education of gifted and talented students. Modules include a brief introduction; list of objectives; overview of the content; and suggestions for core, application, and quest (further study) activities. The modules focus on the following topics: definitions of giftedness; history of their educational treatment;…

This brochure, developed by a manufacturer of wooden blocks and trains, offers advice on the selection and use of toy blocks with children. The guide asserts that blocks, while often thought of as the most simple of toys, have great strength as creativity builders. Topics discussed in the brochure include: "Why We Want Our Children to…

"Ideas Into Dollars," one in the Small Business Bibliography series of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), is described to be a resource guide for inventors and innovative small businesses which provides steps such as determination of technical feasibility, assessment of market demand, commercialization, and sales. (MC)

In attempting to balance the requirements of social structure and the empowering initiative of creativity in children, numerous obstacles must be confronted, including insecurity; fear of uncertainty; ritualistic problem solving; dogmatic, dichotomous thinking; inner resourcelessness; lack of playfulness; restricted affect; forcing premature…

Gifted students can learn to direct their thinking to maximize learning and creative production. They do this by stating what they intend to do, choosing strategies and appropriate conditions for thinking, and self-monitoring. The article describes techniques for developing self-directed thinking and applies these techniques to a class assignment.…

The nature of giftedness, talent, and creativity is examined, and implications for teaching are given. Problems with using IQ as a precondition for identification are considered, especially for creative individuals. Typical obstacles to creative thinking are outlined, including classroom atmospheres that do not welcome new ideas. The importance of…

Intended for parents and teachers of gifted and talented children, the book discusses identification criteria and educational strategies for developing their potential. Case studies of gifted and talented children are cited and a checklist of common characteristics is provided. Suggestions are given for fostering creativity in the home; and…

Impromptu storytelling techniques are creative and interesting ways to introduce children to the adventure and allure of storytelling, which in turn aids their cognitive and social development. Presents several activities designed to elicit impromptu storytelling, including sentence stories, name tales, "every day is special" stories,…