The process of matching teaching materials and methods to the student's learning style and ability level in foreign language classes is explored. The Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) model offers a diagnostic process for the identification of style. This process can be applied to the language learning setting as a way of presenting material to…

A series of lessons is presented which are designed to help deaf six-, seven-, and eight-year-olds develop a more positive self-image by comparing themselves with hearing persons and discovering that they share more similarities than differences. (CB)

The best elementary schools celebrate individual differences among students. Mindful of the need for creative adaptation, this article summarizes qualitative indicators of effective schools, including happy environment, varied learning styles, mutual regard between children and adults, school readiness and enthusiasm, well-articulated mission,…

This book presents an approach to learning that builds on trust and personal regard. It is based on the experiences of a second grade teacher and relates anecdotal experiences. Chapter I discusses beginning the transference of power, pre-planning for the school year, and creating an environment. Chapter II discusses building trust, focusing on…

Research psychologist Howard Gardner susggests that there are at least seven intelligences and that competence in these intelligences varies. The biological and cultural bases of this theory is explored. Implications for teachers are offered. (DF)

Describes the Planning Pyramid, a framework to help regular and special education teachers cover required curriculum while modifying learning requirements to meet individual differences. The pyramid's base represents "what all students will learn," the middle portion "what most students will learn," and the top portion "what some students will…

The children's picture book and parent/teacher discussion guide present disabilities as among the many "differences" that make the world interesting. Acceptance of people with handicaps is stressed in the sample questions and answers in the discussion guide. Fifteen additional resources (print, audiovisual, and other) are recommended. (DB)

After a brief story illustrating the essential humanness of the work of educators, a British educator addressing an American audience reviews fundamental ideas about the nature of children and offers suggestions about optimal classroom practices. The ideas about the nature of children which are presented concern the uniqueness of individuals and…

This book offers information and ideas to support teachers, parents and other caregivers in their efforts to help children accept and like their bodies. It includes specific tips on dealing with body image issues and suggestions for role modeling healthy attitudes about body size. It also offers suggestions for healthy eating, increasing physical…

Designed for elementary school teachers, the document presents two short puppet plays about children who are different. The first story focuses on a young boy's concerns about being adopted. The second play is about a boy who is learning disabled. The plays, which require only two acting characters, are accompanied by two song lyrics and a list of…

These demonstrations stress individual differences, a concept becoming increasingly important in psychological research. Intended for use in undergraduate psychology courses, four demonstrations that illustrate common examples of human variation are described. The demonstrations deal with the following individual differences: taste blindness,…

"Let's Celebrate Uniqueness" is a one-semester whole class program designed for fourth to seventh grade gifted and non-gifted students. Specific activities are suggested for the four program steps: (1) understanding the concept of uniqueness, (2) recognition of uniqueness of self, (3) recognition of uniqueness of others, (4) and valuing uniqueness…

This book offers 44 activities for developing capacities of seven types of intelligence identified by Howard Gardner in his theory of multiple intelligences. The activities, grouped by the type of intelligence the activity primarily fosters, are intended for students to do on their own. The intelligences and sample activities are as follows: (1)…

Discusses the predominance of adolescents in many Soviet night schools. Describes the characteristics of difficult adolescents and their deviant behavior. Identifies the need for individual work with adolescent students that takes account of their personal characteristics. Suggests a need for better teacher training in dealing with difficult…

There are serious risks involved in the practice of teaching certain aspects of the cultures of English-speaking nations, including threats to cultural integrity, global ecology, and traditional spiritual life. Some cultural aspects should be discussed as a point of view rather than as universal truth. (Contains 18 references.) (LB)