Family grouping (a classroom organization plan in which elementary school children of differing chronological and developmental stages are grouped in a single class) is a means for providing continuity between home and school with a minimum of psychological and emotional shock. (MJB)

An individualized instruction program in mathematics for elementary school students is described. Classroom organization, the role of the teacher, administrative organization, and instructional materials are discussed. (DT)

How to use traditional techniques to "mainstream" gifted children in a heterogeneous classroom, while meeting their individual needs through differentiated curriculum and voluntary activities. (Editor/SJL)

Three articles discuss programs for primary and elementary special education students in a resource room and in mainstreamed settings. The final article discusses a positive approach to dealing with namecalling in the mainstreamed setting. (CL)

This article describes a method for writing instruction in which small groups of students meet to read and evaluate each other's writing. A five-day schedule for this "writing family" activity is outlined. (SJL)

This article describes techniques for organizing curriculum in a one-teacher rural elementary school. Flexibility in grouping and teaching strategies, thematic approaches, and independent learning activities are emphasized. (SJL)

Provides practical advice for the teacher on helping the visually impaired child succeed in the regular classroom. Includes consideration of classroom and materials, adaptations, special subjects, such as physical education, and interpersonal issues. (SJL)

To help elementary school social students understand how a government works, the article describes an activity which requires a combination of government-related knowledge and procedural skills. The activity focuses on citizenship decision making and includes a mock presidential election. (DB)

A review of the literature on the relationship between ability grouping and student achievement reveals that most researchers have found that homogeneous grouping does not significantly affect achievement. A few studies attempted to relate student achievement to teacher ability and instructional strategies; however, they found no significant…

Structural characteristics of classroom activities and student and teacher engagement behaviors were investigated. Observer teams collected data on the structure of activities, student engagement behaviors, and teacher behaviors in arithmetic and reading lessons in six elementary classrooms in a middle class, suburban school district. The…

Observation of two third-grade teachers during the opening days of school revealed different approaches to organizing their classes and instructing pupils on correct classroom behavior. The results of observation are given in narrative form and analyzed. Five principles that characterized the most effective teacher are presented: (1) The teacher…

EXISTING DIRECTIVES FOR PLACEMENT IN SCHOOL ARE INADEQUATE. MORE IMPORTANT, GROWTH AS THE GOAL OF EARLY EDUCATION IS ALL TOO OFTEN SACRIFICED TO A RIGID TEACHING-AND-LEARNING PROCESS WITH ITS BURDENSOME DEMANDS. THIS OFTEN LEADS TO EMOTIONAL MALADJUSTMENT. PROPER PLACEMENT AND GROWTH CAN BE ACHIEVED ONLY IF EVERY CHILD IS KNOWN IN HIS OWN RIGHT.…

A teacher gives insight into the benefits of teaching a combination class. Students of different levels learn to think of themselves as multilevel people, sometimes helping their peers, other times receiving help. Suggestions for planning for two different levels are offered. (DF)

Presents a dynamic class management model for writing instruction, which can be modified over the school year to meet students' changing instructional needs. (SJL)

This article describes typical activities in a Gifted Bilingual Class, part of the state-funded Union City (New Jersey) Bilingual Program for students who are academically gifted in their native language, but limited in English proficiency. Some student identification and instructional procedures are noted. (SJL)