Discusses instructional strategies that address five affective needs of middle school students: freedom of choice, appropriate peer interactions, instructional diversity, personal expression, and broadened perspectives. Suggests that when incorporated into existing curriculum and laced with relevant application, these strategies can lead to a…

Examines the use of technology under two different contexts: university courses for future middle school teachers, and middle school classrooms. Emphasizes the need for young adolescents to become technologically literate. Discusses different programs to help middle school students learn how to use technology, and at the same time helping them…

Examines the application of Howard Gardner's theory of multiple intelligences at the middle school level. Suggests that planning, teaching and assessment should be based upon learner's individual needs and intelligences, aiming to help develop particular intelligences and strengthen the existing ones. Proposes several learning activities for…

Discusses activities that can help teachers of toddlers to design environments that stimulate and facilitate children's exploration, discovery, and understanding of color beyond the traditional boundaries of sight. Suggests that by incorporating other senses, teachers offer to the older toddlers rich multi-sensory experiences that can nurture and…

Examines the role of portfolios as an alternative method of mathematics assessment in the primary grades. Defines math portfolios and their use, and proposes ideas on how to evaluate progress in classification, numbers, and spatial relationships. Suggests that use of portfolios focuses on problem solving and reasoning, and places responsibility on…

Describes a kindergarten/first-grade and a second-grade program for teaching map reading skills. Suggests that map- reading instruction is required to improve children's geography knowledge. Provides ideas on how to observe the environment, use photos, encourage block play, use books, share maps, construct a model of the classroom, read cardinal…

The SMART planning system is examined as a tool for teachers working toward the successful inclusion of children with disabilities. Four focus areas are discussed connected with the SMART acronym: Select curriculum and approaches; Match instruction to child; Adapt when necessary; Relevant skills targeted; Test to inform instruction. Suggestions on…

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…

The 1987 teacher of the year from Wisconsin describes ways in which he implements the writing process among third and fourth graders. Sometimes using his own writing as a model, he shares the processes of brainstorming, drafting, revising, and publication with the students. (DG)

This brief history of the development of alphabet books includes a list of alphabet books for elementary and middle school children. A strategy for the use of these books in class involves these steps: choose books; set a purpose; introduce books; read them; describe them; compare and contrast them; evaluate them; and compose your own books. (DG)

The ecological issues of pollution, overpopulation, and conservation can be explained in the classroom through the use of creative play, problem solving, and discovery methods among groups of young children. Activities for teaching the topics of air, water, land, and noise pollution; overpopulation; and conservation are suggested. (DG)

Identifies developmental literacy characteristics of 3 age groups: 18-36 months, 4-5 years, and 6-8 years. Provides lists of developmentally appropriate books in Spanish. These include bibliographies and summaries meant to assist the teacher in promoting cultural diversity among students. (DG)

Discusses approaches to the arts in education and to promoting children's involvement in the arts. Concludes that there is a strong relationship between aspects of the arts and other subjects. Arts can be a distinct discipline and an integral part of total curriculum. Arts provide opportunities to develop creativity and perceptual awareness. (BB)

Describes the activities of a classroom teacher and her students at Addison Gardens British Nursery School in London, England, which was influenced by, and incorporated the tenets of, Friedrich Froebel's educational philosophy of children's learning. Discusses the application of Froebel's principles to art education. (BB)