Not only assigning articles to be read by preservice teachers but also posing specific tasks to be done as a result of reading them is suggested. Different categories are included, with 11 articles noted. (MNS)

This guide for primary school teachers presents commonly asked questions and answers. Chapter 1, "How Do I Set Up My Classroom?" discusses desk and furniture arrangement. Chapter 2, "How Do I Survive the First Days of School?" offers tips for meeting and greeting students, establishing routines, and presenting activities.…

Results of a study involving 94 preservice elementary teachers suggest the instruction students in such programs should be given to develop computer literacy. A model for computer education which consists of four stages is presented in detail. It is recommended that all preservice elementary teachers go through the first two. (MP)

Methods instructors can use a variety of activities to have preservice teachers use manipulative materials themselves and with pupils. Types of materials and approaches are discussed. (MNS)

Twelve points are given for teachers to consider as they strive for continued professional development. (MNS)

Techniques that can be used to help change the mathematical attitudes of prospective teachers are described. Work in small groups, using diverse approaches, and developing meaning are among the points included. (MNS)

A ten-step approach is presented by which two teachers can implement their own team teaching arrangement. Advantages, disadvantages, planning, scheduling, and room design are considered. (SJL)

Presents ideas for teachers who want to get parents involved: start reaching out to parents before school starts; make written contact with parents and students before school begins; follow up with a phone call inviting their participation; communicate expectations; show commitment all year; and walk in a parent's shoes. (SM)

A study of homework strategies with regular and special education elementary school teachers led to guidelines concerning development of innovative homework assignments, use of a homework planner, teaching of study skills, and ways of involving parents and encouraging peer support. (DB)

Pullout programs are breaking up the self-contained class in elementary schools. A study in New York State disclosed that 94 percent of the teachers surveyed have students involved in remedial pullout programs and 57 percent have students in enrichment pullout programs. Frequent use of pullout programs can have negative effects. (MLF)

Surveyed were 220 teachers in grades one-three in 11 states on their use of 11 devices for teaching mathematics. The percent of teachers who never or seldom used the listed manipulatives ranged from 40.8 to 74.7. (MNS)

Offers a framework for approaching evaluation of practical experience, specifically in the field of elementary school teacher education, arguing that such evaluation should be longitudinal, contextualized, and collaborative. Portfolio development is found to be a powerful tool in this process, and both a rubric and criteria for assessing…

Presents tips on how to create a positive, friendly classroom community from day one. Ideas include beginning the year with getting-to-know-you activities; identifying and positively involving students with potential behavior problems; offering opportunities for students to assist one another with activities; working together toward a goal; and…

Presents strategies for getting organized and creating a classroom environment that promotes science learning for primary students. Teachers must first decide what topics they are going to cover and what materials they need. Next, they should determine how to organize the materials. Finally, they should identify and set up areas in the classroom…

Steps that physical educators can take to ensure that their gymnastics programs are top notch include asking local experts for help, focusing on student learning and assessment, using solid lead-ups and progressions, emphasizing safety, using teaching situations, providing feedback, managing the class effectively, being budget conscious, and…