In this article, Aline Wolf discusses the challenges of teaching elementary reading at present time. She also raises her concern not only about the declining of reading skills, but also about the declining number of books that students actually read which creates a dilemma for teachers. She believes that the Montessori community must give priority…

Collected in this textbook are approximately 30 brief articles and related materials concerning the traits, development, nurturing, and education of children from infancy through early childhood. While varied, material in each of the six sections generally centers on (1) characteristics, traits, and developmental issues in infancy, preschool and…

A starting point for self-discipline may be to compile a list of objectives that the particular school wishes to meet. The list should be assembled with faculty, administrative, parental, and, most importantly, student input. If a definite list of goals is draw up with student input then students will be able to form an identification with those…

This paper provides portions of a workshop discussion at the Wheelock Conference on School-Age Child Care concerning the role of family day care for school-age children. The workshop participants included family day care providers affiliated with the day care system in the Greater Boston area, administrators of a family day care system which also…

Analyzes the impact that play has on science and mathematics learning for preschool and elementary school children. Examples are given of learning opportunities in science and mathematics available through children's play. Also considers the attitudes developed through play--curiosity, divergent thinking and motivation--essential to learning in…

Explores use of historical fiction in elementary social studies curriculum. Examines the value of historical fiction for children and social studies goals it supports. Offers suggestions for using historical fiction in primary and intermediate grades and recommends specific books. (RWB)

Slavin's 1987 review of research of between- and within-class ability grouping on achievement of elementary students is discussed, and its assumptions examined. It is suggested that recent theory and research make the Slavin review most useful from the perspective of historical analysis. (SLD)

The increase in global mobility has brought about the recent increase in the number of students who are not from the majority culture in classrooms across the United States and Canada and who report experiencing loneliness and social isolation. The students' loss of self-esteem and the development of learned helplessness are directly related to…

This paper discusses the ideas of how to unite global villages to help create a better world. Argues that it takes just two people to begin a conversation between countries. It proposes that e-mail conversations can take place between children in classrooms in two different countries. Another benefit, besides breaking down the cultural barriers…

Examines the social and educational backgrounds of Indochinese refugee children who have come to the United States since 1975. Discusses problems encountered by students in U.S. schools and suggests ways teachers can cope with cross-cultural communications, shyness, poor pronunciation, and differences in customs, traditions, names, and food…

The author discusses children's developing conceptions of how to represent objects artistically. She compares the use of detail, line, viewpoint, and dimension in imaginative and observational drawings by concrete-operational children and cites their opinions about the accuracy of their work. Part of a series on children's art. (SJL)

Discusses the increased use of hands-on teaching activities that, while meant to engage students in learning, fail to teach them anything of importance. Explains why this trend started and why it is continuing to be used. Concluding comments provide questions teachers should ask during activity planning in order to make it an effective teaching…

Argues that topical units on cultural universals are well suited for introducing primary grade students to social studies, although the units need to be more powerful than those in leading textbooks. Notes a study supporting the feasibility of cultural universals units in first and second grade classrooms. Suggests guidelines for lesson plans,…

Discusses the maturationist, behaviorist, and cognitive interactionist views of transitional programs. Research on transitional programs and possible effects of such programs on kindergarten and first grade classes is discussed. (BG)

Maintains that a child's cognitive growth is greatly enhanced by attending to the level of emotional warmth between teacher and child. But attempts at satisfying affective needs put the educator in a precarious position. An affective program in an elementary school that minimizes such risks is described. (BB)