Even though theme is cited in two of the 10 Common Core Standards for Reading Literature, little is written on how to teach it. Determining theme while reading a story is a critical element of reading literature, yet some children simply struggle. The instructional strategies presented here are designed to hone students' theme awareness and…

Children of today may be the first generation in the United States in more than 200 years to have a life expectancy shorter than their parents. Low levels of fitness caused by physical inactivity and poor nutritional habits of many of today's youth may be a contributing factor. Combating low fitness levels with physical activity is of utmost…

This article summarizes findings from the author's study of the characteristics and use of high-quality materials designed to support classroom instruction of elementary-aged children before, during, and after field trips. It also expands on the implications of this research for classroom teachers' effective use of field trip support materials.

Describes the development of a workshop that provides a rich writing program while meeting state-mandated test requirements. Based on a whole language approach, the writing workshop emphasizes five stages of the writing process (pre- writing, rough draft writing, peer editing, teacher editing, and publishing). The program merges writing processes…

Asserts that art is not an impractical "break" from serious learning but rather an essential part of that learning, focusing on the art classroom's traditional status as a refuge, the importance of accountability in art education, and benefits for classroom teachers. The paper explains that accountability does not mean the end of the art classroom…

Young students can benefit when teachers address behavior in positive, rather than punitive, ways. This paper describes how one teacher stopped using punitive time outs and instead developed a program in which working together on learning and having class responsibilities was meaningful enough that instances of troublesome behavior would be…

Describes how one elementary level special educator taught reading to special needs students by implementing a word wall using brain-based learning and constructivist concepts, which led to student and teacher empowerment. The paper also looks at the benefits of using authentic literature-based reading strategies. (SM)

Presents the journey of an elementary teacher whose critical examination of her own teaching experiences led her to locate and understand the source of her successes as a teacher. The article focuses on the events surrounding a Christmas-time project which involved having her diverse, predominantly poor students write letters to Santa Claus. (SM)

Describes the challenges of including 22 students with wide-ranging abilities into one third grade classroom, focusing on class projects and units; support systems for special needs students; math, reading, and writing activities; use of multiple intelligences; and the benefits inclusion (e.g., having two adults in the room, role models for…

Describes the development of alternative assessments being used successfully at two North Carolina elementary schools, noting the active participation of teachers in their development. From commonalities among the assessments, a seven-step, practice-based model was adapted and evaluated. The model highlights faculty buy-in, leadership, staff…

Describes one elementary school's experimental, inclusive, fifth-grade class that was team-taught by a special and a regular educator, focusing on: shared decision making, curriculum development, how the teachers changed, how the students grew, and the school support system (which included the teachers, the students, the principal, other faculty…

Describes a school-university collaborative project in which elementary students paired with preservice teachers to discuss children's books electronically. The project introduced preservice teachers to Web-based discussions and provided opportunities for them to become more familiar with how elementary students respond to books. Samples of…

Educators seeking novel ways to instill conflict-resolution skills in young children should consider Dr. Seuss, whose books provide a synthesis of fantasy and reality that works for teaching values endemic to peace education. This paper discusses how students can learn peace and educators can teach peace using Dr. Seuss books, examining steps to…

Conflict resolution provides a structure through which children can communicate, and character education enhances this by offering students the right language to find a middle ground for compromise. This paper describes how teachers at Pittsburgh's Falk Laboratory School developed and implemented a conflict-resolution program for grades K-8 that…

Two case studies describe the development of alternative assessment within urban North Carolina elementary schools, examining each assessment development process, identifying commonalities and differences, and relating real-world endeavors to the change process. The studies argue for placing alternative assessment on the school reform agenda,…