The three authors exchange ideas on career education at the elementary level and, specifically, in relation to social studies instruction. (JR)

Reviews aspects of child development from various theoretical perspectives. Discusses developmental trends in pre-school years, early elementary years, and upper elementary years. (AV)

Proposes a method for rectifying deficiencies in the widening horizons approach to organizing the elementary social studies curriculum. This method, referred to as "The Child's World," is intended to add relevance, coherence, and flexibility. (RM)

Asserts that using children's literature to present life stories can reinforce young children's understanding of life span and help them better understand how goals formed in childhood may help determine an individual's future. Briefly reviews and recommends 15 children's books focused on life stories and decision making. (MJP)

The reaction paper discusses how the traditional view of social studies for younger children as a content subject has contributed to ineffective programs. A new approach which views social studies as a skills subject is recommended. (Author/RM)

Compares Kohlberg's and Dewey's views on moral education with regard to implications for elementary social studies classes, moral instruction of children, curriculum development, and community life of the school. Concludes that Dewey's approach to moral education is more comprehensive than Kohlberg's. (Author/DB)

Discusses instructional uses for the "Carmen Sandiego" software series to encourage interest in geography. Suggests "Carmen" be incorporated into the curriculum by teacher-directed grouping that adds teacher instruction into cooperative and competitive arenas, curriculum integration linking diverse specialties, and isolated…

Examines research concerning young children's ability to learn history without the appropriate developmental ability to understand time. Argues that much research is conducted within a narrow focus causing educators and researchers to ignore the development of the child. (KO)

Explains how teachers can initiate mapping experiences with young children by providing motor experiences inside and outside the classroom. Experiences should be followed by work with three-dimensional models, then with two-dimensional paper, and finally with lines. (Author)

The fascination with buried treasures and lost civilizations transcends all ages and serves as an effective magnet for drawing students toward the study of archaeology. Connecting students to the past gives them a better understanding of their own present and future. In this article, the author describes how the scientific method of investigation…

Suggests that educators will increase learning if they base curriculum on children's thinking patterns. Discusses prominent characteristics of young children's thinking and selection of content appropriate to these thinking patterns. (DB)

A position paper advocates the inclusion of a Black American element in bilingual-bicultural curricular materials for Mexican American children. Guidelines are given for determining the nature and scope of the proposed curriculum. Reactions to the proposal are made by four educators who are intensively involved in multicultural education: James A.…

Points out that children have difficulty learning time concepts. Presents instructional activities for concepts associated with clocks, calendars, and chronology. Outlines Jerome Bruner's three different stages of representation for each concept: enactive, iconic, and symbolic. (DB)

The work of developmental psychologists, Kohlberg and Piaget, is used to summarize characteristics of moral thinking at the elementary levels in order to help teachers encourage their students to the next higher level. (JH)

Suggests mnemonic tricks to help elementary students learn social studies vocabulary. Argues that traditional vocabulary teaching methods using list, definition, and oral and written use provides only a momentary link with the vocabulary. Lists 20 words with definitions and strategies for remembering both words and definitions. (DK)