This practical resource explains brain development from prenatal to age 8 with suggestions for activities educators and caregivers can use to foster children's cognitive growth. The authors begin with the basics of brain development, and the issues that affect it, and then provide information specific to infant, toddler, preschool, and…

"Improving Mathematics in the Early Years and Key Stage 1" reviews the best available evidence to offer five recommendations for developing the maths skills of 3-7-year olds. Recommendations include integrating maths into different activities throughout the day -- for example, at registration and snack time -- to familiarise children…

This resource is a compilation of three documents that support the teaching of spelling in today's schools: a discussion of "Why Spelling Instruction Matters", a checklist for evaluating a spelling program, and tables of Common Core State Standards that are linked to spelling instruction. "Why Spelling Instruction Matters"…

Reviews arguments for and against mainstreaming and presents strategies for using newspapers in elementary school mainstreamed social studies classrooms. Gives examples of newspaper learning activities related to community affairs, social competencies, safety, and prevocational skills. (DB)

Discusses the importance of clear objectives, pleasant learning atmosphere, and positive attitudes in the second language classroom handling low-ability students. A student questionnaire form is appended. (AM)

Suggests using analogies to aid in reading instruction. (MKM)

The effects of teacher practices in promoting student academic achievement, behavioral adjustment, and feelings of competence were investigated in a prospective study of 257 children in 14 first grade classrooms. Using hierarchical linear modeling and regression techniques, observed teaching practices in the fall were explored as predictors of…

An art program for talented and gifted seventh and eighth grade students is described, focusing on student selection, teaching techniques, funding, and evaluation. Included are a screening test for talented art students and a form to aid students in verbalizing about their art projects. (JDD)

This article reviews literature supporting the relationship of emotional factors and success in reading and writing activities, outlines physical and language behaviors that indicate emotional involvement with success or lack of success in comprehension, and presents strategies that help children understand what they need to do to read and write…

The author points out the problem learning disabled students have with the language of right and left. Reasons for inappropriate classroom interventions are pointed out, and guidelines for program implementation and activities for dealing with this problem are offered. (SW)

Presents some exercises for teaching perspective to high school art students. (SJL)

The author suggests concepts and activities in spatial awareness and interior design suitable for the elementary grades. (SJL)

Configuration words containing clues and typical print can help learning disabled children from kindergarten up to learn spatial relationship terms. Suggestions are offered for choosing, introducing, and using the words as well as for encountering the words in new situations. (CL)

The author defines psychic ability and suggests ways that teachers can recognize it. (KC)

Discusses assumptions implicit in any system of measurement. Describes a three-rectangle problem designed to help children explore additivity of areas and relationships between area and shape. Suggests ideas for action research. (FDR)