Presents a framework for teaching upper elementary students about assertiveness: teaching them differences between passive, aggressive, and assertive behavior; encouraging role playing; discussing when assertive behavior is appropriate; constantly reinforcing the lessons; and teaching alternatives. Tips for assertive communication are provided.…

Field trips to museums can enrich education, though teachers and parents must guide children's explorations and help them connect their previously gained knowledge with new information from the exhibits. The article describes a study of children in museums, discussing the findings and making suggestions for enhancing museum experiences. (SM)

This article describes a modular approach to facilitating learning of health/fitness concepts by elementary students. The module helps students learn to assess their fitness, emphasizing the importance of lifetime activity. By helping students become more interested in health through visual and practical applications, teachers can enhance positive…

Most teachers do not have enough training to teach reading, and many students, especially special needs students, cannot adapt to traditional instruction. The paper stresses the importance of a rich language environment at school to benefit students who lack it at home. Students can also benefit from a multisensory approach. (SM)

Looping, a multi-year teaching assignment whereby a teacher remains with the same group of children for more than one grade, is designed to meet the individual needs of students and improve student learning. This booklet describes the practice of looping in American schools. The booklet details the underlying theories supporting the practice and…

This publication from the Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) is designed to inform parents about the department's Grade Four curriculum standards in four major areas: language arts/reading, mathematics, science, and social studies. The integrated language arts/reading standards enable students to differentiate fact from opinion and…

Broadly defines career education, noting that any teacher can utilize career-related examples to teach traditional academic content at any level. Includes illustrations of career education infusion activities in four primary subject areas: mathematics, science, social studies, and language arts. Describes the role of the elementary teacher in…

Discusses the benefits of integrating the arts into education to help students learn more and better. The paper looks at advantages to including music, visual arts, dance, and theater arts in the classroom, explaining the part that arts play in assessment. Resources for integrated arts activities are included. (SM)

This article presents insights from teachers nationwide who have experimented with writing workshops, describing what they see as the essential elements to their success (setting the tone, teacher-student and student-student communication, reflective thinking, high expectations, modeling from favorite authors, and working hard). Software, classic…

After describing what bullying is, the paper presents strategies for dealing with it and helping the "bullies." It focuses on what both parents and teachers can do to reduce and even eliminate bullying. Strategies include: bringing the subject up at PTA and staff meetings, listening openly to children's complaints about bullying, and developing…

Examines the advantages of teaching in a multiage elementary classroom and discusses specific techniques that work well with children of different ages and abilities. Suggests that teachers need to integrate material as much as possible, balance large- and small-group activities, and utilize cooperative teams made up of students from each age…

Students choose their own behavior, and teachers have the power to influence their choices. This article describes cooperative discipline and offers three strategies for positively influencing students' behavior: identifying the behavior, dealing with misbehavior immediately, and providing some encouragement. Resources for further information are…

Three checklists help parents, teachers, and school administrators think about what constitutes a good elementary school science program and about their respective roles in promoting and supporting such a program. The lists focus on home and classroom environment, professional commitment, philosophy, curriculum and assessment, outside support,…

Math manipulatives let students see the components of an abstract problem, help build a concrete language for talking about math concepts, and encourage students to gain confidence in their ability to figure things out. Many suggestions for using manipulatives in math instruction are offered. (MT)

Four computer programs to help pupils master word problems are reviewed. (MT)