A teacher introduced mathematical concepts into six year olds' stories about losing and growing teeth. Results demonstrated that children's authentic mathematical experiences are derived from the children's knowledge and experience, are multimodal, and are open ended. Calls for open-ended activities that allow children to explore ways to use…

Developing kindness and compassion for others is a critical part of young children's development. The ability to accept others--even if they are different--and feel compassion for them is an essential component of social competency which is just as important as any academic training. Teaching acceptance and compassion through play can be great…

Observations of American instructors and students in England, as well as English publications, reveal that English primary teachers treat writing as a way for children to share their personal experiences, and they correspondingly emphasize freedom of expression, fluency, and the retention and development of imaginative responses. Teachers enrich…

Written for teachers, librarians, students, parents, and other storytellers, this book emphasizes the value and enchantment which children can find in the fabulous stories of four main European traditions--Greek myths and legends, Northern myths and legends, Arthurian Romances, and fairy tales. The four chapters contain (1) discussions of myths,…

A study investigated whether preassessments of general and specific knowledge can predict children's listening comprehension. Topical knowledge, assessed by multiple-choice questions, did predict story comprehension; topical interest, however, did not correlate either with topical knowledge or comprehension. (Authors/PP)

Designed to help teachers provide high-interest independent work for their first grade students, this manual contains plans to increase students' reading, spelling, and speaking vocabularies by using original poetry. After a short introduction, the first section describes bulletin board plans that can be adapted for use throughout the year and…

Educational experiences which facilitate the development of original thinking and learning are (1) the "open system" of education which stresses freedom at home and at school; (2) the emphasis on sensory awareness of the environment; (3) the development of curiosity and sense of wonder; (4) the growth of imaginative powers and original thinking…

Details events from the experiences of two young children as they learned written language. Concludes that children need to have a say in why and what they are reading. (FL)

The kinds of meaning that children find in reading are discussed. When teaching young children to read, it is very important that teachers be aware of and take into consideration the child's viewpoint (RM)

Argues that eclecticism is not a viable teaching philosophy and examines reasons teachers follow the practice in the belief that students' learning needs are adequately met. Encourages teachers to examine their classroom practices, and to focus on, and listen to, individual students to determine the direction and pace of their learning experience.…

A participant observation study of a primary grade classroom, in which three first grade students were selected as case study subjects, illustrates the range of workstyles of beginning writers. Primary grade teachers are often concerned that their students are not producing writing comparable with their capabilities, but educators' conceptions of…

Often regarding the "great books" as too difficult for elementary school age children to comprehend, teachers have given students reading assignments that are less than challenging and have risked causing them to dislike reading because it is relatively uninteresting. However, it is possible to expose very young children to works such as…

This study sought to: (1) identify and describe the interest patterns of fourth and fifth grade children as they pertain to the content and form of the short art film, based on preferences expressed by the children themselves after actually viewing the films; (2) compare the interest patterns of children according to sex and race/socioeconomic…

Maintains that pictures are one constant aspect of children's books. Reviews research on whether pictures hinder or facilitate the development of reading skills in young children. Provides suggestions on when and where pictures might provide instructional support. (CFR)

Designed for classes in children's literature in English and education departments and in library schools, the emphases in this book are on understanding children and their needs, on perspectives and background, on criteria and types of literature, and on artists and authors. The first part provides an overview of children's needs and interests,…