Examines the role of small-group counseling at the elementary school level. Focusing on the development and implementation of small groups, the author discusses benefits, kinds, stages, skills roles, and group exercises. Due to the fact that the majority of primary/junior counselor positions are part time, small-group counseling is efficient and…

Examines an early instructional intervention called "Reading Recovery" that provides individualized instruction for first grade students who need extra help in beginning reading. A model illustrates the long-term savings possible through the use of Reading Recovery compared to special education programs, grade retention, or Chapter 1…

Discusses formalizing in mathematics and provides anecdotal illustrations of formalizing in a constructivist environment, using students aged 12 and 8 involved in fraction work. (Contains 19 references.) (MKR)

In response to miniseries on school violence (this issue), identifies and discusses four questions that resurfaced across miniseries articles. Considers seriousness of problem of school violence, contributing factors to violence, whether there is consensus on how to address violence, and the role of the school psychologist in handling violence.…

Describes the Peacemaking program at the Downtown Alternative School, an elementary school in Toronto, Canada. Provides a context of understandings about theory and classroom practices involving struggles with conflict and differences. (SR)

Two crucial development tasks for elementary school children are coming to terms with their physical development and acquiring physical skills. Skill development in organized sports is considered from the point of view of student athletes and coaches. The value of free play versus adult-organized activities is discussed. (BC)

Offers statements about elementary students' own learning styles, learning environmental characteristics they desire, and qualities in adults they consider supportive of their learning. Statements are selections from over 700 comments from students in 7 schools who completed following sentences: "The adults at school that help me the most are the…

Two team teachers in an open-area elementary classroom describe how they create with their students a curriculum derived from the students' interests and varied experiences. They stress the importance of connecting the life of each child outside the school with the life of the classroom. (SK)

Cites the benefits of publishing student writing. Defines informal and formal publication. Discusses how students consider the audience. Offers further information on publishing student writing. (PRA)

Examines concerns of elementary special needs students who must make transition to and from regular classroom and special education classes. Sees counselors in strategic position to act as consultants to regular and special educators involved in mainstreaming special needs students. Identifies two significant areas in which counselors and…

Briefly reviews Project Re-ED (Re-education of Emotionally Disturbed Children), created by Nicholas Hobbs as an approach to emotionally troubled children and youth that builds on the concepts of normalcy and health rather than deviance and illness. Reviews key principles from Hobbs' 1982 book "The Troubled and Troubling Child." (NB)

Presents views and ideas on children and childhood from Janusz Korczak, premiere social educator and reformer of early 20th century. Briefly describes Korczak's own riches-to-rags story following the death of his father, describes his work with children and youth, and provides excerpts from his writings. (NB)

Describes the concept of radical change, a theoretical construct that identifies and explains books with characteristics reflecting the types of interactivity, connectivity, and access that permeate the emerging digital society. Highlights innovative ways that authors, illustrators, and designers incorporate these features into books for…

Analyzes the concept of civilization as it is construed in anthropology and history, and uses the various dimensions as a frame for understanding how children grasp and make active use of the concepts in their interpretation of historical information. Subjects were 9-year-old students whose understanding and use of the notion of civilization was…

In a history class, students typically listen to the teacher lecture, read from their textbook, then take a test. Although they may sometimes be required to memorize information or read stories about historical events and people, they rarely work with other students, use original documents, write term papers, or discuss the significance of what…