"Reconstructing Democratic Education" was an international conference held virtually on June 22, 2024. This article uses the words of the speakers and the participants to present some of the stories and reflections that stimulated us that day. Speakers touched on a wide variety of challenges that democracy in general and schools in…

One of the overarching problems of the world today is that too many people see themselves as dominating other groups of people, and dominating nature. That is a root problem. And thus part of a core solution builds from Kohlberg's commitment to a universal moral orientation, though extended to include not only all people but the more-than-human…

The development of an inclusive community is underpinned by values that support an appreciation of diversity. This paper is based on a larger research project, "student leadership in a primary classroom", which developed different ways for students to interact with each other. The focus not only promoted full student participation in…

A real-life experience is a "moving force" that can be part of the elementary social studies curriculum. This article discusses an experiential learning about India and describes how the author integrates the arts and service learning in his third grade classroom. It also describes class activities that enhance social studies curriculum…

Approximately 100 years ago, Clark Hetherington articulated the primary aims of physical education by identifying four separate areas: (1) psychomotor, which refers to motor skills; (2) organic, the fitness factor; (3) intellectual, or the cognitive component; and (4) character which refers to the affective domain. These categories can be used to…

In this article, the author talks about the Westwood Elementary's knitting and crochet club. The idea for this group unraveled when one of their third graders received a knitting kit as a birthday gift. The mother of the student told the author what a wonderful hobby knitting had become for her daughter and how this craft worked to help develop…

In this article, the authors begin with what they believe is an implicit endorsement of an integration orientation toward acculturation. Literature may be used to help students understand the implicit nature of culture. Inspired by such scholars as Clayton (1996, 2003) and based on a content analysis of 134 books, the authors identify and describe…

School-wide character education is difficult and ongoing work, even without the added complication of having diverse programs and students. Despite these obstacles, King George School in Calgary, Alberta, Canada chose to engage in character education. Initially, the reasons were pragmatic. Character education seemed the only hope for any sort of…

The Search Institute, a nonprofit research organization in Minneapolis, Minnesota, defines developmental assets as good things everyone needs to be happy in life, such as a supportive family, a caring neighborhood, integrity, self-esteem, resistance skills, conflict resolution skills, constructive activities and a sense of purpose. "A…

In this article, the authors describe a lesson that helps elementary students build a sense of citizenship and moral consciousness about justice. Children participated in the struggle for civil and voting rights in Selma and in other places in the South during the 1960s. Initially, it was children's literature that sparked these third grade…

The underlying foundations for all elements of this "Cree Language and Culture 12-year Program Guide to Implementation (Kindergarten to Grade 3)" are Cree values--those viewpoints and ways of being that characterize the Cree way of life. They are as important today in educating students in the Cree language and culture as they have ever…

This author relates how she introduced the art of Gustav Klimt to her third-grade class in her desire to provide them with a combined portrait, figure, and writing unit with a focus on positive character traits. Gustav Klimt's use of controlled patterns and designs inspired younger students, who easily related to his style. In this article, the…

What does the National Football League have in common with a small K-6 school in Iowa City, Iowa? Two things: one is San Diego Chargers wide receiver Tim Dwight, who grew up in Iowa City, where he attended Mark Twain Elementary; the other is Twain third grade teacher Julie Busch, Tim's former teacher and--thanks to Tim's thoughtful…