Discusses how educators must begin to appreciate home culture as a key factor in school success. Reflects on the author's own personal experiences and struggles in his first experiences learning to read. Presents instructional approaches for working with culturally diverse learners. Considers the social context of learning to read. (SG)

This article discusses the role that "willingness to work" must play in any definition of giftedness. Strategies are provided for promoting the work ethic in gifted students: provide students with models of excellence, provide examples of people who have worked hard and enjoyed their labors, and support meaningful hard work. (CR)

This training guide is intended to help Head Start staff develop the essential partnership-building skills that contribute to Head Start's overall effectiveness as a supportive, family-centered community. Each of the guide's three modules details module outcomes, key concepts, and background information. Module 1 defines family support in terms of…

Designed as a resource for parents, this book provides them with the information and advice they need to make informed decisions about what language "policy" to adopt with their children. The authors, professional applied linguists, draw on their own experience as parents of successfully bilingual children and on interviews with other bilingual…

This manual introduces the topic of family literacy programs in libraries and provides guidelines for libraries that are just getting started in family literacy programs as well as libraries that are further developing their existing programs. It is argued that illiteracy tends to be both intergenerational and cyclic, i.e., if a child's parents…

Intended primarily for professionals, this booklet describes a process of psychosocial restructuring through which, sometimes with help, members of stepfamilies may assimilate the reality of their new situation. Sections of the discussion focus on phases in the restructuring process: fantasy; pretending; panic; and the emergence of a new family…

Basic assumptions of an ecological-behavioral view of assessing behavior disordered students are reviewed along with a proposed method for ecological analysis and specific techniques for measuring ecological variables (such as environmental units, behaviors of significant others, and behavioral expectations). The use of such information in program…

Based on information from the report, "Becoming a Nation of Readers," this article presents eight recommendations for parents to follow to provide encouragement to their children in reading. (MD)

Clinical psychologist Daniel J. Flannery reveals the impact of violence and victimization in the lives of children and adolescents from a developmental perspective. He explores how young people experience violence in their everyday lives and how this impacts their mental health and ability to cope with challenges and crises. His case studies show…

This fact sheet discusses the importance of literacy for individuals who are deaf-blind, the social functions of reading and writing, and conditions necessary for the development of literacy. Strategies for promoting literacy among this population are described and include: (1) invite children and adults who are deaf-blind to observe as you use…

This fact sheet discusses the importance of literacy for individuals who are deaf-blind, the social functions of reading and writing, and conditions necessary for the development of literacy. Strategies for promoting literacy among this population are described and include: (1) invite children and adults who are deaf-blind to observe as you use…

Gives practical recommendations for dealing with children's disclosure about substance abuse issues at home. Describes common characteristics of families living with drug abuse. Discusses child development as affected by such circumstances and methods for helping children to take care of themselves and stay away from drug abuse. (MOK)

States that the influence of the home environment on children's learning has long been recognized as significant. Presents some exemplary programs and guiding principles that teachers can share with parents to promote their children's literacy. Lists 10 simple reading-writing activities that could be shared with parents at an open house or…

Presents some ways parents can help set an environment at home that promotes literacy growth. (MG)

The article presents suggestions for home safety checks, recommending that parents look for harmful agents and safety hazards, and suggesting that they teach their children safety awareness. Safety tips are also offered for visits outside the home. (SM)