An examination of the ways moral education was taught in elementary public schools during the first three decades of the century suggests that moral education should be (1) indirect--not taught as a isolated subject; (2) comprehensive--include all aspects of school life; and (3) broadly conceived--moral education is multifaceted. (RM)

Reviewed are 11 recently published kits, texts, supplements, series and professional references for values education in the elementary grades. (SJL)

To demonstrate the inappropriateness of fables for moral instruction at early elementary levels, a study was conducted with children from grades two, four, and six in two suburban schools on Long Island (New York). The children listened to recordings of three fables, "The Shepherd Boy and the Wolf,""The Fox and the Goat," and "The Lion and the…

Moral education at its most effective is philosophical education taught to elementary school children using inquiry. Children can discuss ethical issues in a thoughtful, objective, and reasonable manner. Such an education is the antithesis of indoctrination and gives children the intellectual tools they need to think autonomously about moral…

To help aid teachers and librarians in the search for appropriate resources to emphasize good character traits, this book provides an annotated guide to picture storybooks and the character traits each describes. It begins with an introduction that defines character, offers a history of character education, discusses what character education is,…

Reviews literature arguing for the moral education of gifted students. Bibliotherapy and group dynamics activities are advocated as strategies for promoting moral development. An approach to using stories in bibliotherapy is suggested in appended material. (Author/RH)

The Personal Responsibility Education Process (PREP) is a grass-roots approach to character education that seeks to strengthen student responsibility. Instead of promoting one set of values, it helps schools rediscover their own values and reinforce them. A sampling of several Missouri school districts illustrates the diversity of the process and…

Describes and critiques two approaches for moral development of elementary school students, the forming of moral habits and the developing moral reasoning. It is recommended that both approaches be used with an early emphasis on habit formation and a gradual increase in attention to moral reasoning. (GR)

Argues that it is not enough for children to distinguish right from wrong, they must develop a commitment to acting on their ideals. Examines the six stages of moral development. (CCM)

Part of a 13-volume series designed to help Lutheran communities assess the feasibility of starting a Lutheran elementary school and to assist ongoing schools in current operation, this volume is intended to help Lutherans clarify why they might want such a school and its effects on the congregation. Most of the publication discusses reasons for…

The aims of punishment as traditionally conceived are, in the case of children, incompatible with the aims of moral education. The onus of justification must rest with those who wish to impose upon children. (Author/RM)

Provides selections from history, mythology, children's literature, current events, and journalistic accounts that may be used as classroom materials in teaching the value of honesty. Includes a bibliography of resources on honesty. (MJL)

Relates Montessori theory of development with the concept of connection to the universe and natural world, noting Montessori education's role in nurturing reestablished connection with the natural world. Describes events leading to a fulfilled life as part of psychological normalization, noting the importance of identifying positive tendencies of…

A growing number of Americans believe that the public schools have a responsibility to include moral education in their curriculum; and, in fact, 31 states are currently offering courses aimed at teaching students some aspect of traditional values in the expectation of producing concerned citizens who will preserve our democarcy. Each moral…