Considers role of multicultural literature in stimulating children's language and cognitive development. Argues that a well-balanced multicultural literature program includes literature that depicts people with a variety of aspirations, from different socioeconomic levels and occupations, and with a range of human characteristics. (DST)

Points out aspects of counting books that may impede learning, notes general and specific criteria for evaluating counting books, and offers an annotated bibliography illustrating the application of criteria. (RH)

Summarizes four documents and seven journal articles in the ERIC database that examine children's self-esteem. Topics include self-esteem and academic achievement in black male adolescents, self-esteem and social responsibility, factors associated with self-esteem, self-esteem and peer relationships, enhancing self-esteem, and predictors of…

Having children prepare meals is one way they can apply school learning to the everyday world. Lists 39 books that show how home-school or kitchen-classroom learning can merge. Titles listed include cookbooks, books about healthy cooking, and books about cooking and fiction, cooking and poetry, and cooking and celebrations. (TM)

Presents an annotated selection of historical fiction and biography picture books for primary grade children. Suggests ideas for a jackdaw--a collection of artifacts related to the contents and historical setting of a story. (BB)

Summarizes documents and journal articles from the ERIC database discussing topics related to parent-teacher conferences at the elementary and middle levels, including alternative activities such as student-led conferences. (Author)