The Greek elementary school system is described in this booklet, which was developed for those teaching Greek children who come directly from Greek elementary schools to Chicago public schools. The Greek school system is described as different from the Chicago one in both content and methods of instruction; thus, the purpose of this document is to…

This paper suggests that the study of holidays presents an opportunity for elementary school teachers to employ a range of social science disciplines and to teach their students the fundamentals of inquiry and critical thinking. The study of holidays from a cross-cultural perspective helps students to understand that peoples of all cultures find…

Lists five possible reasons for Singapore students' success in the Third International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS). Asks readers to reflect on the implications for mathematics teaching and learning in the United States. (ASK)

Presents study results comparing the cognitive profiles of kindergarten and first-grade Japanese and Canadian students. Explains that the test used measured a full range of individual differences in the development of children's general cognitive skills. Suggests that higher Japanese performance may be related to home-based factors, preschool…

Teaching materials for a comprehensive and integrated study of Mexico at the elementary level are presented. Emphasis throughout is on developing cross-cultural comparisons between Hermosillo and its sister city, Phoenix, for whom the program was created. Mexican geography, history, current events, politics, art, entertainment, education, people,…

In this age of world-mindedness, children should develop an appreciation and understanding of people of other cultures. This document contains some of the material presented in a workshop on teaching children about the cultures of the Pacific Rim through the use of folklore and folktales. A dialogue from Peter Parley's Adventures of James Jenkins…

Contends that anthropology should provide the focus for the elementary social studies curriculum. Delineates concepts and generalizations for such a curriculum and suggests activities to build anthropological understanding. (GG)

Proposes an interdisciplinary approach to teaching elementary social studies. Provides examples that show how linking all areas of a culture can make it come alive for students. Includes a list of resource materials for using this technique. (LS)

This curriculum unit is designed to give primary school students foreign language experiences and also to support the cultural literacy strand of the California State History-Social Science Framework. The unit is part of an elementary literature series which utilizes quality primary source literature from various world regions and countries and…

This report presents detailed summaries of the responses of seven exemplary elementary teachers to a series of open-ended questions about effective social studies curriculum and instruction. The questions addressed the teachers' opinions about elementary social studies purposes and goals, content selection, and representation modes; forms and…

Folktales as reflections of a culture provide many kinds of information for social studies that are unmatched in the elementary school. However, teachers must be alert to the potential of folktales to present unintended or erroneous information. (RM)

Presents 3 examples for setting teacher's aims in Japanese and American mathematics classrooms. Provides 10 guidelines for teachers who would like to include more mathematical dialogue and encourage the expression of conceptual splatter in their classrooms. (YP)

Asserts that the reunification of Germany and its significance in the European Community provide a catalyst for U.S. social studies teachers to include instruction about Germany at all grade levels. Includes a teacher resource page with information about schools and student life in Germany. (CFR)

Presents an overview of the geometry findings of the Third International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) and ways to use problems from the study to assess students' understanding of geometry. (ASK)

Presenting concepts and information related to global issues at an early age is important in developing an understanding of and tolerance for other cultures. Seeing other peoples' commonalities can help break down the myths and stereotypes that form around groups who are perceived as "strange" and encourage open attitudes toward new…