Four major teaching strategies for linking humor and learning are identified: (1) to perform as models of humor; (2) to select learning materials that foster the expression of humor; (3) to elicit expressions of humor; and (4) to be responsive and appreciative. (LB)

Play allows children to make creative discoveries. This is a result of the fact that creation comes from tinkering and the absence of fear of failure, rather than from minds trained to follow what is already known. Suggestions for building a curriculum based on serious play are offered. (LB)

Discusses six techniques that will help teachers evaluate their multicultural views and practices: building multicultural programs; showing appreciation for differences; avoiding stereotypes; acknowledging differences in children; discovering classroom diversity; and avoiding pseudomulticulturalism. (LB)

Offers insights into the traditional Navajo way of life, with particular emphasis on aspects of culture and language that have implications for teaching Navajo and other Native American students. (LB)

Describes the development of a literature unit on the theme of night scares for grades one, two, and three. Presents a literature web that integrates reading and language arts with content area subjects. The literature web also lists children's literature appropriate for the theme and several instructional activities. (LB)

Provides suggestions for preschool, elementary, and middle grade teachers on mainstreaming students with physical and medical difficulties. Suggestions focus on parent involvement, peer interaction, environment and training considerations, and instructional adaptations. Discusses topics, such as emergency care plans, that relate to making the…

Defines obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) as an anxiety disorder characterized by the presence of mental obsessions or repetitive behaviors based on psychological fears. Lists warning signs for teachers and suggestions for educational services for children with OCD. (LBT)

This article brings theory into practice and demonstrates clearly how to apply commonly accepted language acquisition theories to science lesson plans designed for native speakers of English. In the first section of the article, readers will learn not only how to apply theory to science lessons, but also, and more important, why to apply certain…

Children's character or moral development, what the author refers to as ethical development, has been an important and controversial topic in schools for many years. Educators agree that it is vital to renew the emphasis on teaching for character development. Schools face an important challenge, doing their part in preparing children and youth to…

The overall goal of assessment is to collect information regarding a targeted program or performance. Specifically, assessment involves the identification, clarification, and application of defensible criteria to ascertain a target object's value, quality, utility, effectiveness, or significance in relation to those criteria. Through such…

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…

It has been said that children are smarter than we sometimes acknowledge them to be. Knowledge can be, at times, hidden from view. It is a teacher's job to get to know his or her students very well and find ways to make sure they give them due credit for what they know. But can one know one's students solely upon the grades given on quizzes,…

Virtual field trips offer a new way for teachers and students to visit historical sites and museums. Most notably, virtual field trips provide access to places that normally would be impossible for classrooms to visit, and this, in turn, provides a plethora of learning possibilities for the classroom. Why should teachers consider creating a…

This article discusses one first-time student teacher's experience. Her experience was not unsuccessful, but was different than she had expected. She passed the semester with an acceptable report and found a position the next fall in her chosen school district as a kindergarten teacher, and perhaps more importantly, she learned some valuable…

To look at practitioners in the field of early childhood education is to look at a kaleidoscope of education, experience, and practice, from practitioners who are beginning in the field to practitioners who have extensive experience and education and have mastered the art of teaching. This kaleidoscope of practitioners brings into the light a…