Students in grades three and four are introduced to the concepts of abstract reasoning, ambiguity, and interpersonal relationships in this philosophic reader. The story involves mystery and myth and works with literary techniques of similie and metaphor. Pixie is introduced as a precocious character who is impatient with other people, a tease, and…

Designed to accompany "Pixie," a philosophy reader for students in grades three and four, this instructional manual presents discussion plans, games, philosophical activities, and reasoning exercises so that the concepts in the reader can be readily operationalized in the classroom. The "Pixie" program focuses on abstract reasoning, ambiguity, and…

Character or values instruction has been relegated to the hidden curriculum since the decline of 1960s values programs. However, teachers are beginning to use character instruction in an organized way. The purpose of this study was to determine whether instruction using children's literature would effect student perceptions of value laden…

Compares educational practices in Japan that involve educating the "whole child" by teaching values and behaviors through small group activities, to U.S. practices that focus mainly on academics. Japanese practices involve extensive and clear roles and procedures, routinization of activities, and peer pressure, all aimed at developing…

This unit's purpose is to teach elementary students responsibility toward their pets by examining laws related to owners' responsibilities, medical care, and items which can be purchased for pets. The project, intended to cover 15 class days, provides teaching concepts and resources and presents each lesson in terms of a problem. Lessons include…