Introduces this special issue on how educators in various countries facilitate creative thinking in their students. Notes that some of the articles contain information or examples demonstrating originality, flexibility, or important personality traits that contribute to creativity, such as risk-taking, and that others address the need for…

This article describes an exceptional Eastern European preschool where all stakeholders--children, teachers, and parents--place a high value on the unique synergy of inclusive and bilingual education. In this environment, each child is able to experience love and happiness, while developing at his or her own pace. The families feel involved in…

Describes the circumstances which provoked creative expression in writing by a seven-year-old in an English primary school, and discusses the school's flexible, humanistic environment. (BR)

A discussion of dependence on each other and the environment illustrated by anecdotes from the author's own life. (ST)

Cautions against rush to import British informal-style classrooms asserting that open education can't be brought about by mandate, questionable motivations, or by a quick, band-aid approach. More long-range planning and better evaluation methods are urged. (ST)

Practical suggestions to help teachers plan field trips that will be helpful experiences for school children who are more vulnerable, fearful, confused and destructive than most of their peers. (NH)

Discusses some critical aspects of divergent and convergent thinking, examining attributes of the public school environment that apparently foster convergent thinking and addressing the microcomputer's potential as an instrument for fostering divergent cognitive styles. (MP)

Maintains that early childhood teachers should seek to provide young children with a synthesis of the adult's and the child's view of the world. (BB)

Describes three strategies teachers may use in developing a prosocial classroom environment for preschool children. Strategies include: (1) examination of teacher attitudes about prosocial behavior among preschool children; (2) examination of teaching techniques; and (3) evaluation of the classroom environment and curriculum. (RJC)

Discusses whole-language classrooms as ones that create and nurture a morality of caring. Lists ways in which teachers can facilitate growth of the ethic of caring in the classroom-- helping children to become "other centered"--whereby a community of responsible, concerned, and empathetic children emerges, and the classroom models the…

Parents can help children acquire ecological awareness through the use of varied inventories that focus on their family's ecological practices, and through the restructuring of such practices to promote conservation and recycling. Lists specific activities in which preschool and elementary school children can engage. (MDM)

Describes how teachers can better understand adopted, language-minority students. Notes the importance of avoiding a classroom climate that classifies people into neat categories, avoiding stereotyping, learning about the student's birth country, and remembering that the meaning of a situation may vary by culture. Discusses special needs of young…

Examines the work of several theorists who laid the groundwork for contemporary classroom management in an effort to provide educators with effective ways to encourage and teach appropriate student behavior. Notes that theoretical contributions of B.F. Skinner, Fritz Redl, William Wattenberg, William Glasser, and Thomas Gordon all have relevance…

Discusses how music enhances learning by facilitating brain growth and integration, evoking emotions, and addressing learners' needs. Suggests ways to use music to create a positive learning environment by reducing stress, increasing productivity, and regulating energy. Presents suggestions for incorporating music at elementary/secondary levels,…