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Teachers of young children affect not only their ability to speak correctly but also the way they learn to think. Since children view the world in different ways depending on cultural heritage as well as individual perception, and since different experiences require differing ways of thinking and differing ways of expression, it is important for teachers to provide a rich environment to allow for a maximum amount of perception and to allow for the expression of those perceptions. Because there is a close relationship between language and cognitive development, the teacher can participate in the child's development by raising appropriate questions and by entering into dialogue with the student. The findings of psychologists, such as Vygotsky, can help teachers determine which activities will be most appropriate at different stages of development. (TJ)

Nonsense poetry can make a valuable contribution in reinforcing children's reading skills and developing their literary appreciation. This paper describes several nonsense poems and books for children, points out their appeal, and stresses the value of reading such works to children. It also offers a few suggestions on techniques to use in reading nonsense poetry aloud to children and in using some of the recommended works to promote the development of specific reading skills. (GW)