Exposure to information about genetics is at an all-time high, while a full understanding of the biocultural complexity of human difference is low. This paper demonstrates the value of an "anthropological approach" to enhance genetics education in biology, anthropology, and other related disciplines, when teaching about human differences…

There are many challenges for teachers today. One of the most difficult challenges for diligent teachers is reaching the needs of an increasingly diverse student population. In order for teachers to reach ALL students, teachers must begin where students are, which means recognizing individual differences. Differentiated instruction (DI) with the…

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)

Discusses the use of bibliotherapy with students having disabilities. Provides an annotated bibliography of 27 books that address abuse and neglect, anger, differences, and families. (DB)

Individual differences in temperament and personality influence children's development of self-regulation, social relationships, and adaptation within varied contexts. For young children with disabilities and/or family poverty, early school experiences provide both significant challenges and opportunities. In this study, teachers rated the…

Learning styles-based instruction uses the strengths and preferences of disabled and at-risk students to tailor instruction to their needs. This article defines learning styles, outlines the learning style characteristics of at-risk students, presents a global/analytic reading styles checklist, and describes 11 strategies for basing instruction on…

Child caregivers should not answer children's questions in ways that enable children to create stereotypical categories. Because children are aware of differences among the peers and the adults they encounter, children's questions must be answered accurately and in a developmentally appropriate way. When questions about individual difference…

Based on a musical celebration of children's diversity, this early childhood curriculum guide provides guidance in using the compact disk "Nobody Else Like Me" to help children think critically about and appreciate differences and similarities among people. The guide is organized into 12 sections, each focusing on one of the songs from the disk,…

Intended for use in Florida training programs for caregivers of infants and toddlers with disabilities, this guide presents an overview of the Model of Interdisciplinary Training for Children with Handicaps (MITCH); a user's guide to the series; and specific information for presenting Module 5, which focuses on the development of listening skills…

Noting that the number of students served in special education programs has increased at alarming rates since 1975, this paper posits that this increase is due to recent social and political variables and their impact on the educational system. Special emphasis is placed on how state and local educational leaders respond to national education…

This manual provides a basic understanding of cultural differences that teachers are likely to encounter among exceptional children in their classrooms. The manual aims to create an atmosphere where children respect individual differences in themselves and in others. Several cultures are introduced, including Arabic Lebanese, Hispanic, Native…