Describes development of the nonprofit Hug-a Book program to provide preschool sites in impoverished areas of Chicago with quality children's literature. The program assists teachers in planning curricula and literacy-rich environments and helps parents in making books a part of their homes. Suggests appropriate books and criteria for their…

The Lucretia Crocker Program recognizes the importance and potential impact of teacher-initiated innovation in public schools. The program is named for the woman who set up educational programs for emancipated blacks after the Civil War and promoted educational opportunity for blacks and women. Brief descriptions are given of the following…

Discusses performing arts materials and programs in elementary and middle school curricula; notes developments of performing arts programs in certain states. Describes selected children's books with performing arts themes. (AEF)

Ten articles concern aspects of education for the gifted at the preschool and primary levels. Articles have the following titles and authors: "Screening Program for Gifted/Talented Students: Grades 1 and 2--A Blueprint for Success" (Sheila Smith); "Fulfilling the Dream of the Great Society" (Evie Hiatt); "The Enabling Curriculum: Appropriate…

The creation of a new reading program at a New Jersey elementary school can provide administrators with a lesson in trying to make major changes in schools. A reading specialist presented research from the National Assessment of Educational Progress indicating the need for a different approach to reading instruction, as shown by reduced reading…

This project delivered traditional parenting skills to participants at area family centers through reading and critically examining issues raised in children's literature. Recruitment efforts were unsuccessful at two Arsenal Family Centers; sufficient participants were recruited at the Providence Family Support Center where the 16-week course was…

This theme issue contains 17 articles which provide a diversity of views on the nature of creativity and how best to nurture it. Five initial articles are: "Creatively Gifted, disadvantaged Children: Their Desperate Need for Mentors" (E. Paul Torrance); "Creative Productivity: Understanding Its Sources and Nurture" (Donald J. Treffinger);…

The handbook is designed as a practical reference for English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) teachers, curriculum developers, teacher trainers, and student teachers. It provides basic information on the background of ESL programs and current information on publications, standards, and special materials for elementary and secondary school ESL. It does…