Legal aspects of field trips are addressed, with special attention on planning and implementation aspects which warrant legal consideration. Suggestions are based on information obtained from studies which reviewed and analyzed court cases, with recommendations geared to lessen the likelihood that negligence suits will result if students sustain…

The need for values in environmental education to be established through the cooperation of parents, churches, and boards of education is discussed. Many references are used in an effort to support this view and to note that teachers alone should not have this responsibility. (MP)

An approach to inservice training for teachers of elementary mathematics, designed to meet a set of common problems, is noted. The organization places a mathematics course between two education courses. A sandwich approach to whole number arithmetic is detailed. The method is viewed workable for any mathematics curriculum area. (MP)

Investigates if instruction in spatial visualization has different delayed effects on boys and girls, and whether girls and boys comparably retain spatial skills over time developed through instruction. Results indicate instruction for both sexes can improve spatial visualization abilities, with no sex differences found in learning or retention.…

Early childhood education today is seen as multifaceted, with its philosophical roots involving three major views: (1) Behaviorist-Environmentalist; (2) Maturationist; and (3) Comprehensive-Interactionist. How these views translate into educational practice is detailed. (MP)

Suggestions for mathematics teacher training in early childhood education focus on three related concerns: (1) content, (2) learning, and (3) methodology. Programs which are designed to teach the issues in each of these areas are seen as ones which will prepare students who are worthy of respect and admiration. (MP)

This guide focuses on the role of problem solving in developing mathematical concepts of young children, selected problem situations or tasks for engaging children in problem solving, and criteria designed to provide a guide to teachers and parents of young children in formulating appropriate problem-solving situations. (MP)

Guessing is seen in all forms to be a creative and critical process which has practical and scientific utility. The goal of science in early childhood is viewed as having children make better guesses. Ways of instruction that create and develop an atmosphere for guessing are detailed. (MP)

Pattern recognition is viewed as a fundamental cognitive skill that lays the groundwork for the ability to form abstractions and generalizations. Incorporating patterning into the curriculum of young children is encouraged. (MP)

Cognitive processes, characteristic of the early childhood learner, and potential benefits of learning through incorrect responses are discussed. Science and mathematical concepts viewed to be within the early learner's capabilities are noted, and ways to make such concepts more visable and viable within early childhood settings are detailed. (MP)

It is suggested that gifted children need opportunities to interact with each other, opportunities for discovery learning, programs which will foster independence, and programs which will include activities in all three learning domains. The teacher's role is defined, and examples of activities suitable for gifted instruction are provided. (MP)

Ways to follow-up science activities based on picture storybooks are discussed. The term "literature web" is used to name the method detailed for integrating science with fiction books. The web is seen as a resource guide for future use that helps resolve time dilemmas for science instruction. (MP)

Recreational mathematics is promoted as a type of play that enables children to acquire concepts and skills useful in learning mathematics. The activities suggested are geared for children from age three through grade three. It is argued that recreational mathematics is more effective than exercises such as workbook activities. (MP)

Activity topics suggested were selected from the many areas of study which can be drawn from the outdoor school environment: See That Tree; Time Passing; Critters; and Digging in the Dirt. The ideas shared are intended as a beginning on which teachers and children can build. (MP)

Some important issues related to teaching problem solving in the elementary grades are addressed, with particular emphasis on the intermediate grades. Presents one point of view and some specific questions often raised by teachers who wish to incorporate problem solving into the mathematics program. (MP)