The major purpose of this guide is to show teachers of kindergarten through third grade students how to create an environment in which young learners can begin to develop the thinking and behavioral skills they will need to function effectively in their school and personal lives. It is based on an educational philosophy, the Responsive Education Program, which encourages children to develop confidence and persistence and to use creative and flexible thinking for solving problems and making decisions. Emphasis is placed on developing respect for a variety of views, needs, and strategies for solving problems, and cooperative attitudes. Part I delineates the roles of the responsive teacher and child. Brief scenarios illustrating exemplary classroom interactions are presented. Activities for gathering information about students and guiding them in developing independence are described. Part II offers suggestions on the creative use of classroom space and instructional materials. The final part discusses developing and managing responsive learning centers. Descriptions are given of the objectives and activities of 17 teacher- or child-initiated learning centers. (JD)