Presents a daily group activity of writing equations to assess children's mathematical thinking and progress on a regular basis. Argues that this approach is one way to foster a close relationship between instructional activities and ongoing assessment. (ASK)

Identified factors associated with learning mathematics in groups with computers. Subjects were 8 groups of 6 students, ages 9 to 12 years, using LOGO. Analysis of learning measures indicated positive gains resulting from groupwork, with no differences across gender or ability; analysis of process factors pointed to explanations for the differing…

Presents strategies for peer conferences to help elementary students grow as writers. The strategies help make the process easier and more efficient. Suggestions are that teachers have warm-up activities, provide a conference space, allow students to choose conference partners, and have students keep records during conferences. (SM)

In today's world, the ability to work with others is essential, and cooperative learning can be a powerful teaching strategy to enhance interpersonal skills. The article describes nine essential steps for social skills success and discusses nonverbal and verbal social skills for group work. (SM)

In several studies, primary school children worked in groups to solve physics problems. The groups were comprised of children who had similar or different levels of physics understanding. Results suggest a benefit to group work for groups of children with different levels of understanding, although the benefits may take some time to appear. (BC)

A sixth-grade class built a yurt (a circular building with a conelike roof) for the playground of a special-education school. The goals of the project were to teach mathematics experientially and to facilitate growth through community service. Includes instructions and diagrams for building yurts. (KS)

Relates a project in which elementary students created a model globe that hung in the classroom in order to enable the students to build their geographic understanding. Describes in detail the process of constructing the globe and discusses the finished globe's uses. (CMK)

This handbook provides a guide for teachers on including children with special needs in the regular classroom. Different aspects of inclusion and its process are elaborated by way of 26 tips which concern: (1) acceptance; (2) belonging; (3) cooperation; (4) diversity; (5) the process of inclusion; (6) friendship; (7) students' gifts and talents;…

This book provides guidelines and suggested activities for collaborative learning for elementary grade students with a variety of abilities and disabilities. It is based on experiences at the Developmental Studies Center (Oakland, California). Activities are presented as blueprint formats that provide a comprehensive set of structures which can be…

Learning magic tricks permits behaviorally and emotionally handicapped children to become magicians in the eyes of adults, their peers, and themselves. The self-contained classes of handicapped boys in grades 3 through 6 have put on numerous magic shows since 1984. Program objectives include building self-esteem, teaching team cooperation,…

This booklet of short essays on humanizing the education of children was printed to help elementary educators focus on the main purpose for their being--to help children fully realize their humanity. The author's educational philosophy and its applications are covered by such subjects as the individual in a democracy, the meaning of freedom, the…

Describes a committee project for use with any grade or ability level that will help students enjoy poetry and learn how to work together at the same time. (FL)

This paper addresses the developments of a class of fifth-grade children as they worked modeling problems during the first year of a 3-year longitudinal study. In contrast to usual classroom problems where students find a brief answer to a particular question, modeling activities involve students in authentic case studies that require them to…

Designed as a step book, this resource is intended to be used by all teachers, classroom volunteers, and parents for one-to-one or small group reading instruction. The resource provides a clear focus for guided reading groups and can be used with any text, on any grade level in elementary school. It could be a solution for the growing number of…