One of the most reverberating social changes of the 20th century was the women's liberation movement. As new attitudes about women and their roles in society took hold, changes were made in the way in which females of all ages were represented in instructional materials, such as basal readers, curriculum materials, and tradebooks. Unfortunately,…

This Classroom Idea Sparker was submitted by Pandora Zook, a 1st-grade teacher at Guilford Elementary School in Sterling, Virginia. She shares her experiences in creating self-guided literacy centers that run smoothly and encourage children to be constructively engaged in learning activities that do not require constant direct supervision.

Asserts that incorporating the identification and practice of caring skills into the curriculum contributes to a better education milieu and equips students with the means to find mature solutions to problems and ensure a lifetime of good personal mental health. Describes class dialogs, creativity tools, and action-oriented projects as ways to…

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…

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…

Vertical learning environments (vertical surfaces covered with two- or three-dimensional detachable objects that provide opportunities for perception, manipulation, interaction, construction of knowledge, and representation) offer children rich, interactive learning environments at eye level. Discusses vertical learning environments in a Piagetian…

Discusses development of an integrated curricular approach that combines several related units from separate curricular areas and uses theme cycles instead of text books. Uses illustration to describe the process of developing engaging and productive theme cycles and related learning experiences. Summarizes characteristics of an integrated…

Illustrates developmentally appropriate physics activities for young children. Addresses ways that teachers can use the environment to teach physics and answers the questions: What is the value of physics for young children? What are criteria for developmentally appropriate physics activities? How does one integrate physics into a project or unit…

Provides examples of age-appropriate saving and spending activities that teachers can encourage in students to help them develop wise consumer behaviors. Suggests that younger children can save money in piggy banks or savings accounts, and older students can utilize checking accounts and mutual funds. All students can donate unneeded possessions…

Introducing nursery rhymes to young children can inspire them to explore language and motivate them to explore word play further in meaningful experiences (like cooking) that can be integrated into all aspects of the curriculum. Whether they slice, dice, or add allspice, these actions are appealing, because they contain many activities that help…