Two pilot studies are described that attempted to determine the reliability of children as evaluators of student teacher performance. The first study sought to determine the accuracy of elementary students' perceptions of the role of the student teacher and the training process itself. It appeared that generally the students had quite accurate…

Describes a five-week project in which elementary students chose a favorite letter as the main character of a 25- to 30-page book for practice in language skills. The book each child made was composed of more than 20 learning activities that stimulated students to review and practice skills, parts of speech, synonyms, antonyms and alliteration as…

An abstract "hand" sculpture is a good beginning project to help children understand the meaning of space and form. Here some elementary students learn what sculpture is and ways that it can be done. (Author/RK)

National Fire Protection Week is a perfect time for launching a fire safety learning center. The activities described here are intended to help children recognize fire hazards in their homes, play areas and public buildings; learn how to act intelligently in fire emergencies; be able to share their knowledge of fire safety with others and…

Presents a model for generating hypothetical examples of difficulties that handicapped students may encounter in mainstreamed settings. Additionally presents data to evaluate the effectiveness of hypothetical examples in promoting positive attitudes toward the handicapped. (RH)

Reports on a study of the effects of participation in public library summer reading programs on children's reading skills. Results on a standardized test administered to 279 students in grades 1-5 in May and September are analyzed and compared for participants and nonparticipants in the summer reading program. (MES)

Documents the different problem-solving styles and approaches of two first-grade children having strong mathematical abilities. One child demonstrated an extrinsic, algorithmic style of problem-solving, while the other used an intrinsic, individual-in-control style. (NH)

Maintains that children's thinking skills can be developed and improved through discussions of children's literature. Provides suggestions of how teachers can help students to develop their thinking through questioning techniques and children's literature. Also presents various teaching strategies involving learning activities that allow students…

Reviews the research published in Elementary School Guidance and Counseling from 1974 to 1984, exploring research evidence of elementary school counselors' effectiveness in helping children to improve classroom behavior, to explore feelings, to improve socially, and to enhance sensory awareness and mental imagery. (Author/BL)

Reviews selected research relating to the artistic and aesthetic behaviors of children four to six years of age and gives teaching and curriculum suggestions to encourage development in these areas. (RH)

This book offers an approach for using portfolios with elementary level students and shows how the portfolio process can serve as a powerful motivational tool by encouraging students to assess their own work, set goals, and take responsibility for future learning. Throughout the book, there are stories that illuminate the lessons learned by…

This book presents an assessment model, developed from studies in two schools in Hawaii, that uses student-led conferences and the progress folio process to help students elevate their expectations as they progress through elementary school. The chapters are: (1) "Children First"; (2) "Bridging Learning Goals and Instruction";…

This flip book presents strategies for managing elementary student behavior while building community in the classroom. The first strategy explains how to remain calm and professional when facing a particularly challenging student by breathing and relaxing and reframing and retaining. The second strategy involves disengaging "smart talk" by using…

Most people consider encouragement as a supplementary aspect of their correctional efforts and do not recognize its pivotal significance. New methods are needed to stimulate and influence children, and few parents and teachers are acquainted with skills in the use of these methods. This book provides the material on the philosophy and skill of…

This handbook was developed to assist teachers in monitoring and charting the progress of kindergarten and primary grade students in the Chicago, Illinois, public schools. It is a loose-leaf binder of formal and informal tools designed to provide teachers with ongoing information about students' learning so they can promote continuous growth…