Ways that instructional materials for elementary school students can be taken from room to room or from school to home are described. Ideas include mesh carryall bags, knapsacks, and paper carriers. (CJ)

A study to find out how teachers involve parents in learning programs is described. Teachers are advised to send letters to the parents of students they will be teaching the following year asking for support in overcoming summer learning loss. Specific activities teachers could suggest are offered. (MT)

An annotated bibliography of recommended materials parents can use at home to reinforce basic skills. Citations are grouped by age levels, preschool through the eighth grade. Publishers' addresses and prices are provided. (SJL)

This article discusses how one teacher uses a weekend study buddy as a portable learning center for students (ages 5-9) with mild disabilities. The study buddy is a colorful cloth or paper bag that the students take home over the weekend. It can also be individualized to target particular needs. (Contains 8 references.) (CR)

Describes a parental involvement program in reading, writing, and human education. The project consists of caring for Clifford, a stuffed toy dog, on a rotated basis by first grade students. Books and pet care items accompany Clifford and provide an opportunity for parent and child to work together. (ML)

Presents simple and safe activities for student use in the classroom or at home to help them to better understand the unique properties of water. (ZWH)

Science instruction activities listed in this article can be duplicated for parents and children to work on together at home. Topics covered include: (1) investigating water; (2) plants and animals; (3) the human body; (4) sorting and classifying; and (5) shadows. (CJ)

Some families and probably too many teachers have been lulled in the past few years into a "let the schools do the job" attitude, forgetting about the work that needs to be done at home. Describes the Home and School Institute, designed to provide ways that the family working together at home could reinforce and supplement student…

A survey of parents of 1269 students in 82 first, third, and fifth grade classrooms in Maryland was conducted to investigate the effects (on parents) of parent involvement techniques (used by teachers) for learning activities at home. Some of the teachers were recognized by their principal for their leadership in the use of parent involvement,…

Explains how the "three D's" of ecology; diatoms, density, and diversity; can be used to generate student enthusiasm and spur investigations that can be conducted during student's own time. (PR)

An elementary school science teacher implemented a practicum intervention designed to improve students' critical thinking skills by emphasizing the role of the parent as a resource at home. A total of 25 parents of third-fifth graders were instructed in four sessions in the Talent's Unlimited thinking skills model. Sessions focused on productive…

An elementary school teacher in an urban school serving economically disadvantaged and middle-class black students implemented a practicum designed to increase involvement of parents of intermediate grade students in their children's education. Parent participation was mandatory in preschool and primary programs. But when children entered the…

Presents 5 school and home activities for the K-2, 3-4, 5-6, and 7-8 levels appropriate for beginning the school year that incorporate problem solving, collecting and analyzing data, and exploring patterns. Topics include a shopping spree, seat assignment, map-interpretation skills, and probability. Includes reproducible worksheets. (MDH)

Research suggests that students at all grade levels perform better in school when parents support teachers and become involved in the school's functioning. Surveys indicate that many parents want to help their children but do not know how. Offered are activities that can be shared with parents of elementary children. Suggestions for an activity…

Describes a series of learning activities that can be done at home using everyday household materials. The activities are designed to illustrate components of the Five Fundamental Themes of geography education to students in grades K-5. They all require organizing, analyzing, and interpreting geographic information. (MJP)