The National Action Plan for the Prevention of Playground Injuries identifies four areas of playground risks that cause most playground injuries and deaths, including inappropriate equipment size for the age of the children, hard surfaces, inadequate supervision, and inadequate maintenance. Parents and school staff must become educated about these…

This rationale for teaching elementary-level science using a hands-on approach emphasizes the importance of students learning the process by which an outcome arises rather than just remembering the outcome. The article encourages use of everyday objects rather than fancy scientific apparatus and offers suggestions for helping students undertake…

Offers 13 suggestions on how to keep up with children's literature. (SR)

Lists basic study techniques for parents to use with their children so that the time their children spend on homework may be well used. Strategies include doing the hardest part first, taking breaks, studying with others, and establishing a review system. (SM)

Describes how architects expressed the potential of construction design by designing a British Columbia (Canada) elementary school that blends in with the surrounding natural setting while providing a rich enveloping and animated interior. Photographs and line drawings are provided. (GR)

Presents a list of affordable decorating suggestions for elementary classrooms, including: a reading tepee where students can read quietly; bouquets of construction paper flowers with students' pictures in them; an art center that displays posters of paintings by famous artists; colorful curtains created with bulletin board paper; and a secret…

Describes how teachers can set up high-quality classroom libraries that motivate students to read. Suggestions include assessing student needs; acquiring reading materials (through book clubs and donations from students and families); and being actively innovative so the library remains fresh and dynamic (e.g., by adding shelves, offering a wide…

Spreadsheets can help teachers manage a variety of routine tasks with ease. From creating class lists to taking surveys and graphing results, spreadsheet programs have limitless classroom potential. This article offers six ways to put spreadsheets to work, including class lists, all-about-me surveys, name tags, calendars, skill-building games, and…

Describes a project to investigate 5- to 12-year-old children's perceptions of their rights. Presents a list, resulting from the project, of children's needs and rights, and a discussion of five lessons for teachers and the world relating to rights and policy toward those rights. (JPB)

This booklet introduces parents to techniques for helping their children learn to read. Included is a story about how one parent helps her daughter to learn new reading skills, a sample reading activity for first graders, and a checklist for first grade readers.

After-school programs are popular with parents and the community, but are a lot of extra work for headteachers and the staff involved. This book will provide headteachers and administrators with the guidance they need to build a successful and sustainable after-school program. Based on a national study conducted by the author, this hands-on…

This book explores concepts and methods of self-directed learning (SDL), documenting and illustrating the SDL methodology with practical examples. SDL is a synergistic process in which a teacher helps learners use various strategies and perceptual skills to learn on their own, become more responsible for their learning, and take charge of their…

Database documentation for a statistical data file on local education agency (LEA) students and staff is provided. The data file includes counts of the number of schools, the numbers of students and teachers at various levels, and the numbers of instructional aides and other staff. Data file figures for teachers, aides, and, where possible, other…

This publication covers the teaching of the various scientific disciplines, integrated and interdisciplinary science teaching, and education in technology, nutrition and health throughout the world. It emphasizes aspects of science and technology education, such as social relevance, teaching in relation to the local environment and links with…

Noting that individuals learn best through experiences freely chosen, this book is intended to help teachers create a community of independent learners in a classroom--showing how to let the curriculum and resources support rather than lead children's learning--and to demonstrate how to individualize each child's education. Chapter 1 introduces…