The importance of early attention to the mental development of preschoolers cannot be underrated, especially in the case of children from low-income families. Early Childhood education can help the child become aware of his abilities and foster in him a desire to develop them. (CK)

This paper describes characteristics of creatively gifted children and explains why new procedures are necessary to identify creative children with exogenous behavior disorders. Educational strategies are needed that will give these children independence, so that their creative potential can flourish. (PP)

Explained for educators of severly physically handicapped (SPH) children are basic component parts of the microcomputer system, adaptations for children unable to use a standard keyboard, and applications for communication, academic work, writing, creative arts, recreation, future employment, and young SPH children. Factors educators should…

This study extends previous work in the use of descriptive reinforcement procedures to increase productivity of new forms in artwork. Subjects were four kindergarteners who demonstrated an absence of diverse forms in their paintings. Results indicated that form diversity was improved and that the improvement lasted over time. (SJL)

Evaluations of creativity training programs are described: (1) Productive Thinking; (2) Purdue Creative Thinking; (3) Parnes; (4) Myers-Torrance workbooks; and (5) Khatena. Conceptual and methodological problems are discussed. Although gains on tests of divergent thinking have been noted, it is unclear whether these programs improve real-life…

The effects of self-instructional use of programed creativity materials for gifted and regular students were investigated. Pre- and post-tests of creative thinking were administered. Students in the creativity training group attained significantly greater gains on verbal fluency. Creative thinking abilities were improved for both gifted and…

Four creativity tests were administered to 264 Sudanese students (ages 15-20) to investigate the differing effects upon creativity of traditional and modern education. Those receiving a modern education performed better on two tests measuring cognitive ability, while the traditionally educated group performed better on an Egyptian test measuring…

Claims that creativity can be nurtured in young children using the appropriate creative environment, such as schools with creative programs, continuous enrichment of the environment, and creative teachers and creative ways of teaching. Concludes that the most powerful possibility of nurturing creativity in an individual lies in interaction with…

Recommends that art be shown to toddlers, while being receptive to the different ways in which they respond. States that images should relate to the toddler's interests and be placed at their eye level. Discusses how to involve the toddlers' parents. (DAJ)

Discusses the problem of creativity in physics education, focusing on A-level (advanced level) and bachelor of education students. Reviews results indicating low performance in creativity tests by the two groups and suggests that many educational institutions are not enhancing the development of natural talent. (LS)

A music therapist recounts the case of a young man with autism who, after several years of music therapy, began to communicate with the therapist using facilitated communication. The author sees the combination of music therapy and facilitated communication as very promising for people with autism. (DB)

Presents three teacher-preschooler scenarios illustrating teacher actions that hinder creativity and social development. Discusses the connection between psychosocial and creative development in light of Erik Erikson's eight stages of psychosocial development. Suggests that teachers need to be flexible, consider children's feelings, foster…

Provides classroom examples of appropriate methods for extending art understanding through discussion. Suggests that teachers can easily foster art appreciation through nondirective means; the children can then select what is important to them and thereby begin to build their own personal store of imagery, which can lead to enhanced learning in…