Whenever a class begins to study a new part of the world, teachers must deal with students' preexisting ideas about the area. Activities which will challenge elementary students' initial impressions of Australia and encourage them to learn more about the country are described. (RM)

Suggests methods for teaching about Yugoslavia. Recommends assigning students to maintain journals of news clippings about developments in Yugoslavia. Proposes forming cooperative-learning groups for researching the country's various regions. Offers activities for teaching about language arts, fine arts, reading and literature, religion,…

Recommends an English children's book series, giving long quotations, and offering appropriate teaching hints for work in area studies. (IFS/WGA)

To support the hypothesis that much misinformation and many stereotypic attitudes are presented about Africa to elementary school pupils, the article analyzes 10 readers for African content and assesses effects of an African content intervention strategy on elementary school students. (DB)

In an address to a symposium on children's book publishing in Canada, the author describes and critiques recent efforts of governments, school systems, publishers, and other organizations to promote the production, distribution, and use of materials distinctly Canadian. A sample list of children's books is appended. (Editor/SJL)

Describes the Schoolyard Ecosystem Project (SEP) developed in Florida for a fifth-grade science enrichment class. The project focused on identifying the schoolyard's ecosystem; determining species at risk; determining how to help; collaborating with community leaders, parents, and peers; and becoming leaders for the environment. (AIM)

Discusses how the book "The Indian in the Cupboard" sparked a class of fifth graders to become actively involved with mathematics concepts by solving problems and relating them to the real world. Areas investigated include ratio and tables, measuring, averaging, using calculators, estimating area, and volume. Suggested activities could…

Discusses "Mascots and Meanings," a research activity that helps give students a concrete concept of some of the elements of a region or place. Provides a list of professional and college sports mascots. Identifies strategies that call upon students to identify the reasons for the choice of the particular mascots. (SG)

This annotated guide to selection aids for elementary-level materials on Canada covers selection aids for basic materials, current materials, free materials, and books on native peoples. Annotations include publisher's address, price, and a short review. Organizations which might help in book selection are also described. (SJL)

Relates how children in Japan become members of Japanese society by learning the cultural and social norms from family, school, community, and the nation itself. Suggests four teaching activities that will help U.S. students understand Japanese culture and reflect upon their own lives and responsibilities. (CMK)

Examines the content and instructional approach typically used in the American studies component of the British primary school curriculum. Concludes that this rapidly expanding element of British social studies programs provides a useful first step in helping British children develop a more global perspective. (RKM)

Presents the rationale for and content of a sixth-grade unit on Africa, focusing on the concepts of race and of variation in cultural patterns. A bibliography of instructional resources is appended. (SJL)

Employs a summary of the story "Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes" by Eleanor Coerr as an introduction to the city of Hiroshima's (Japan) quest for world peace, peace education, and strong opposition to nuclear warfare. Discusses various symbols of peace, such as paper cranes in Japanese culture, and offers five teaching activities.…

Describes an activity that introduces students to the geography of the Caribbean. Begins with students creating a map of the region using their own mental representations. The activity uses the Five Fundamental Themes of Geography. Includes a color map of the Caribbean islands. (CMK)

Presents ideas for teaching elementary school students about Korea by introducing them to the country's folktales, clothing, art, music, and food. Includes a folktale adapted as a play and suggestions for teaching about traditional costumes, folk dances, music, and masks, as well as Korean mealtime and table manners. (GEA)