A short term memory task was used to explore the effects of color cues and of a condition that permitted rehearsal as compared to one that did not. Eighty subjects per grade at grades 3, 5, and 7 were tested. A stimulus array consisted of five cards, each of which contained pictures that could be designated as central or incidental. The stimulus cards were presented for 20 trials. Recognition for central stimuli improved when color cues differentiated them from incidental stimuli, but there was no differential effect with age. Permitting rehearsal resulted in improved recall and recognition performance. At the older age levels, in the rehearsal condition, recognition of central stimuli was hindered less by the incidental stimuli than in the condition which interfered with rehearsal. (Author/DP)