Research related to the training and measurement of cognitive skills (effective behaviors in situations in which events must be organized or structured in some way) represents a point of common ground between the educator and the behavioral scientist. That we so seldom train for generalized cognitive skills is paradoxical, for most authorities…

This paper stresses the essential role of concrete play experiences in the early childhood curriculum. The paper examines the value of play, shows how to facilitate language arts development through planned play activities, notes that play provides the early sensory experiences that are the foundations for language arts development, points out the…

Developing prerequisite learning skills and strategies and providing knowledge necessary to further learning in a particular discipline are the dual roles of a middle-grade content-area teacher. This paper demonstrates how these dual roles can support each other in developing readiness for learning. The importance of readiness for learning is…

A study involving 65 kindergartners was conducted to evaluate the Flying Start, a programed kit for developing learning strategies in young children considered at risk for learning disabilities. Three tests were administered, at an interval of 8 weeks, before and after the teaching period: a test of coping style, the Marbler Sorter Test of…

Contents of this summary report on the Project of Early Identification of Children with Potential Learning Disabilities, carried out from Fall 1968 through Fall 1969 by the Wellesley Public Schools with a grant from the State Department of Education under Title VI of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, include the following topics:…

This paper presents research into the characteristics of low-income families in the Portland, Oregon area. The contention is made that the learning behavior of children from these families is affected by their pre-school and early school experiences, which may be unsatisfactory in preparing them to learn. Three types of aberrations may affect…

The purpose of this "Reading Aid" is to help teachers and other school personnel responsible for selecting readiness programs to evaluate those programs they are considering for selection. The programs reviewed here represent a cross-section of the many language and perceptual readiness programs available. The assumption underlying each of these…

This inventory is designed to assess the degree to which adults who are illiterate possess some of the more commonly acknowledged requisites to learning to read. Instructions for administering the inventory are provided in enough detail to insure a reasonably accurate assessment of visual discrimination and select cognitive abilities. The…

Examines the relationship between the development of cognitive processes and the effects of instruction on learning and transfer. The study suggests that instructional treatments should be designed in relation to the child's developing information processing strategies and his previous experience. Subjects were 482 fourth- and fifth-grade…

Reflects on what is to be done if a child is not ready for the standard first grade after a year in kindergarten. Proposes that elementary schools have developmental curricula that allow children to move through an ungraded system at a pace in keeping with their own development. (NH)

Studied children (N=152) who had resided in same school district for grades one through six to determine if birthdate had effect on academic achievement. Results showed in general that children born in later quarters of year performed less well than children born earlier in the year for grades one through four. (Author/ABL)

Contends that developing an interest in a particular topic is the first step in getting students ready to read in the social studies. Maintains the teacher must find ways of using what children already know and couple this with their experiential background to fulfill the need for establishing familiarity before reading. (TRS)

Young children become vulnerable to stress and depression when they are forced to be over-achievers. Suggestions are offered for helping children enjoy life and develop at their own pace. (DF)

Studies confirm the educational advantages and cost-effectiveness of high-quality early childhood programs and have made more persuasive the argument for developing such programs. The most important determinants of such programs are: group size, qualifications and training of staff, stability of care, and adult-child ratio. (MD)

The Marzano thinking skills model (emphasizing learning preparation, content thinking, and basic reasoning skills) will enhance learning opportunities for students whom the present system overlooks or labels unteachable. Schools can restructure teaching and evaluation methods to educate all young people for a successful future in the information…