The advent of technology and access to the internet through the World Wide Web have stretched the traditional ways of teaching social studies beyond classroom boundaries. This article explores how teachers can create authentic and contextualized cultural studies experiences for young children by integrating social studies and technology. To…

This article describes a themed classroom project designed to teach about the culture and civilization of ancient Egypt. In preparing the project, it is noted that teachers should remember that different learning styles, including activities that provide meaningful experiences, are appropriate in accommodating the various ways children learn.…

This article presents four Idea-Sparkers that were submitted by Jason McKinney, a graduate student at Southern Mississippi University and a 1st-grade teacher at Pisgah Elementary in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. First is entitled, "Raceway in the Classroom." This activity can help increase children's fluency and ability to identify numerous sight…

Children's literature can play a significant role in integrating math and science concepts into real-world applications. One particularly delightful selection is "Cucumber Soup" (Krudwig, 1998). This book can create a context--making cucumber soup--for weighing and for a real-life on adding fractions. This kind of learning context takes children…

The past two decades have provided extraordinary progress in our understanding of the nature of learning. Never before have neuroscience and classroom instruction been so closely linked. Now, educators can find evidence-based neuroimaging and brain-mapping studies to determine the most effective ways to teach, as advances in technology enable…

This article explores how children can learn about environmental sciences through place-based education and children's literature. Recent studies suggest that there is a lack of environmental science knowledge among citizens of all ages. Scholars and educators recommend introducing young children to the places in which they live to create an…

Effective use of informational texts in early elementary grade classrooms can extend and expand children's knowledge of the world and provide critical skills necessary for success in the information age. This article suggests several research-based instructional activities that will enhance children's ability to use and comprehend informational…

It is important to appreciate differences in perspectives in order to gain an understanding of others. Teachers can foster the disposition of perspective-taking among students by engaging them in learning opportunities that allow them to discover and reflect on the similarities as well as the differences among people of the world. Such activities…

Discusses chronic behavior problems that occur in early childhood classrooms and the need to intervene at an early age to prevent continued conduct problems. Examines different kinds of challenging behaviors and motivations for them. Suggests intervention methods to prevent antisocial behavior and strategies for teaching children alternative…

Details seven ways adults can ensure children's safety on the Internet: become familiar with the Internet community; learn how the Internet works; identify quality sites; learn what sites to avoid; teach children basic rules for Internet safety; place computers in high traffic areas and monitor use; and respond thoughtfully if a child visits an…

Drawing on the experience of two first-year classrooms in Melbourne, Australia, this article explores numeracy learning within an information and communication technology (ICT) environment. Included are examples of how mathematical skills can be promoted and learned in such a way that children can extend their use to practical, problem-solving…

Examines some common behavior problems in middle schools and explores research-based implications for establishing a positive and supportive learning environment. Discusses the emergent role that school personnel play in promoting positive academic and behavioral outcomes for all students. Presents specific proactive strategies for supporting and…

Asserts that informational reading material is scarce in primary classrooms and that many primary grade teachers do not know enough strategies for helping children understand this type of reading material. Describes an effort to engage a group of first-grade children in reading and writing experiences involving informational texts and related…

Describes how one teacher found that children of every ability level are very motivated to create technology-enhanced projects using the Internet, online databases, scanned pictures and drawings, and video clips or hyperlinks. Notes that such projects can help teachers differentiate curriculum for all children, and lists resources for teaching…

Contends that accurately and appropriately assessing the progress of young children's literacy development is challenging. Presents examples of authentic performance assessment teachers could use to document skills, including checklists, anecdotal notes and observations, videotape, audiotape, and work samples. Offers advice on selecting and…