Games can be modified by teachers or children to suit individual developmental needs. (PBS)

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,…

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)

Discusses studies by Donald LaSalle showing that students' performance can vary widely over the day according to the workings of their individual biological clocks. Presents exercises to help children identify their own "body rhythm prime time" and suggests rescheduling instruction to accommodate these differences. Condensed from…

The study examined the range of reading skills in 2,812 general education students in grades 1-6 attending 34 elementary schools. Results documented a wide range of reading skills both within and across grades. Findings are discussed in terms of relations between general and special education. (Author/DB)

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…

"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…

Suggests classroom activities to prepare unexceptional students to accept and understand individual differences and individual treatment in a mainstreamed classroom through open, active discussions about their attitudes and feelings. (DMM)

The article describes the dramatic improvement in reading achievement, decrease in discipline problems, and improvement in student attitudes in a North Carolina elementary school over a two-year period when students were taught through their preferred learning styles. (DB)

Contends that the mainstreaming effort can lead to breaking down of stereotypes and enables all citizens to participate as contributing members of society. Introduces an elementary level unit, "Likenessess and Differences among People in the Community, Nation, and the World," designed to identify similarities among individuals and to minimize…

Intended both for teachers and for use in preservice programs in teacher education on the college and university level, this language arts curriculum for the elementary school is designed to enable teachers to develop objectives, learning experiences, and evaluation procedures which will provide for individual differences in the class setting,…

The social studies teacher should assist pupils in developing meaningful learnings. A teacher can achieve such a goal by building on interests that students already have in the social studies. It also is necessary to provide for individual differences among elementary school children. The learner must perceive a purpose and must be able to…

Based on the theory of multiple intelligences, this guide is designed for teachers as they assist students through a progression from understanding multiple intelligences and their own intelligence strengths to developing strategies to set clear educational goals, discover their passions, and develop self-advocacy. The guide's units, each of which…

Research supports the belief that most students can learn, but each child concentrates, processes, absorbs, and remembers new and difficult information in a different way. Teaching failing students in ways that complement their learning styles increases their standardized test scores in several academic areas. Instructional practices useful with…