Ponders issue of schools, school prayer, and religion. Shows how a teachable moment can promote moral and societal values without imposing specific views of any particular religion. Argues that religious perspectives can and should be part of the study of art, literature, and history, and that books can be used as literary sources linking religion…

This paper contains four articles that describe the philosophy and outcomes of the Child Development Project (CDP), developed by the Developmental Studies Center in Oakland, California. The first article--"Giving Content to Restructuring: A Social, Ethical, and Intellectual Agenda for Elementary Education," by Marilyn Watson--describes the CDP and…

This book is about understanding ethics and morality. It is about helping children have higher self-esteem by teaching them what makes them good, noble, special and worthy of respect from others as well as self-respect. Chapter 1 discusses how schools can stand for something, how students and teachers experience meaning and purpose in their school…

Noting the emphasis in African environment on religion and morals as the basis of social interaction, the author outlines the objectives of religious teaching in elementary schools, describes the Joint Agreed Syllabus for Bible Knowledge in Nigerian Primary Schools, and discusses the training of teachers in content, methods, and rationale. (JT)

Over the last several years, educators have emphasized the need for students to become involved in service programs for others. An effective Catholic educational program must emphasize the message of the Gospel and encourage students to live in harmony and serve each other. Students who participate in service activities on a regular basis develop…

Surveys children's books from colonial times to the present to show how they reflect changing attitudes toward children. (GT)

The "moral curriculum group" of the Taiwan Provincial Institute for Elementary School Teachers' Inservice Education is developing a moral curriculum based on a new curriculum standard. But how do group members deal with the problem of Taiwan's national identity? To understand the interpersonal decision-making process regarding the…

Describes a study that showed that the role-taking ability of third-grade children increases their disposition to behave altruistically. Twenty four children were given role-taking tests and their social behavior was observed over a two-month period. (RM)

Staff at a Louisville, Kentucky, school have created a caring community of learners whose members feel valued, personally interconnected, and committed to everyone's growth and learning. Child Development Project schools emphasize warm, supportive, and stable relationships; constructive learning; intrinsic motivation; a challenging curriculum; and…

Compares two approaches to character education: (1) the centralized, national approach in South Korean elementary schools; and (2) the legislatively mandated initiative in Georgia (United States) specifically looking at Friendship Elementary School in Hall County. Discusses the similarities and differences between the character education…

Reviews literature from the first quarter of the nineteenth-century Victorian period. Examines how several Victorian novelists constructed new kinds of heroic stories, combining moral instruction with dynamic storytelling for their young audience. (MG)

Describes the Amnesty International USA's Urgent Action letter writing program for schoolchildren. Discusses monthly cases, preparation material for parents and teachers, opportunities for classroom discussion, and a sample letter. Suggests that the program can be an action component in social studies, civics, religion, ethics, and English…

Presents results of a study designed to promote social justice by teaching English primary school children about social discrimination. Confirms evidence that children aged 7 to 11 can recognize unfair discrimination against oppressed groups. Suggests children will recognize discrimination even without reference to oppressed groups. (DK)

Asserts that the text, Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults, accommodates the four periods and all liturgical rites of the catechumenal process for adults to children of catechetical age. Suggests that this formation model for catechesis helps parish directors and Catholic school principals foster true conversion in students who do not belong in…

This paper discusses the work of Emile Durkheim and his interest in developing a science of ethics that would enable the social sciences to guide social and political policy. One of his main policy interests was education, specifically the construction of moral values. Durkheim proposed a secular approach to morality and moral education. Moral…