The controlled vocabulary method of reading instruction (popular in the 1950's and 60's in the Dick and Jane basic reading series) had many inherent and numerous strong points. As with all beginning reading instruction methods, including the Big Book, heterogeneous reading group, holism, phonics, library book, and constructivist methods,…

Considering a behaviorist's viewpoint focusing on specifics regarding learning and knowledge, this document discusses the psychology of learning and how it provides the reading/language arts teacher with a basis for making sound decisions in lesson and unit construction. It provides two examples of objectives for pupil achievement pertaining to…

This paper suggests that vocabulary knowledge is closely related to the background knowledge required for reading a text. It suggests ways in which the reading teacher can select objectives for pupils to achieve in the area of vocabulary development, emphasizing what is relevant and functional. The paper makes the following recommendations:…

Much is being emphasized in staff development in the area of reading instruction. It is important for teachers to study and think reflectively about what can be done to improve the elementary reading curriculum. One procedure that can be used is to hold a quality workshop based on the needs of reading teachers. Teachers might volunteer to serve on…

Much is being emphasized in staff development in the area of reading instruction. It is important for each teacher to study and think reflectively about what can be done to improve the reading curriculum. One procedure that can be used is to hold a quality workshop based on the needs of teachers in reading instruction. The theme should be decided…

Teachers in the school setting need to emphasize quality handwriting across the curriculum. Quality handwriting means that the written content is easy to read in either manuscript or cursive form. Handwriting achievement can be assessed, but not compared to the precision of assessing basic addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division facts.…

The following topics and objectives are presented as essential for teachers, principals, and supervisors to study in working towards a modern elementary social studies curriculum: (1) objectives in the social studies; (2) trends in the social studies; (3) scope and sequence; (4) materials used in teaching; (5) readiness in learning; (6) number of…

Technology is used in all facets of society, and elementary schools should not lag behind in preparing the elementary school pupil of today for tomorrow's technology-infused workplace. Technology should capture student interests and learning activities should be fascinating and should engage student interaction. Technology may also assist learners…

Discussed are numerous issues pertaining to the elementary school curriculum, including (1) behaviorally stated objectives; (2) selection of learning activities; (3) the structure of knowledge; (4) handwriting; (5) teaching of spelling; (6) use of basal readers; (7) the initial teaching alphabet; (8) arguments for a national curriculum; (9)…

Argues that teachers, principals, and supervisors must determine the present status of the language arts curriculum, as well as other curriculum areas in the school setting. (RB)

Discusses two philosophies of education (essentialism and functionalism) and their relationship to the handwriting curriculum. (FL)

Quality communication is hindered with incorrect spelling of words. Thus, it behooves the teacher to develop a quality spelling curriculum for all students to become the best spellers possible to be able to communicate well in writing. The scope of the spelling curriculum answers the question pertaining to the "breadth" of spelling words…

Presenting many listening activities, this paper discusses reading and listening development in elementary school. It lists five pointers to stress in developing pupils who listen well and gives a set of criteria to provide a framework to use in evaluating pupil achievement in listening. The paper lists six items teacher assistants should listen…

States that principals need to be leaders in guiding teachers to provide the best objectives, learning activities, and appraisal procedures to guide optimal pupil progress. Contends that each pupil is unique in learning style and needs a variety of experiences, and that the school curriculum needs frequent evaluation so that changes and…

Argues that the language arts curricula of the public schools should be more student centered and that future innovations should be aimed at meeting each student's needs. (RB)