Early Childhood Development: Becoming Symbol-Minded—It’s More Difficult Than You Think

In modern societies, children must master a wide array of different types of symbol systems. This must all happen before they learn to read and do math. A child must figure out the nature and meaning of a number of other common symbol systems, such as pictures, video, models, and so on. Dr. Judy DeLoache will describe, the early path to becoming “symbol-minded” this is more challenging than people usually assume.

Dr. DeLoache will summarize some of her research on the origins of symbol understanding and use in the first few years of life. She will provide several examples of how young children initially confuse symbols and reality – often in very surprising and amusing ways. She will also discuss some of the practical implications of her work.

April 20, 2007 7:00 - 8:30 p.m. Fairfax County Government Center 12000 Government Center Parkway Fairfax, VA Directions		Series Sponsor

About the Speaker

Judy DeLoache
William R. Kenan, Jr. Professor of Psychology

Judy S. DeLoache, the William R. Kenan, Jr. Professor of Psychology, at the University of Virginia, has been awarded the distinction of Fellow by the American Association for the Advancement of Science. Dr. DeLoache received a Bachelor of Arts from Georgia State University in 1967, M.A. from Georgia State University in 1969, and a Ph.D. from University of Illinois in 1973. She has written and co-authored several books and many journal articles and chapters.

Dr. DeLoache’s complete vita.