Uses the case study of a 5th grader with spelling deficits to explain background information regarding spelling development and factors that influence spelling performance. After 6 weeks of individualized assessment and treatment, the student showed improvements in both formal and informal measures of spelling performance. (Author/DB)

A study involving six gifted fifth graders investigated the effectiveness of training teachers to differentiate for gifted students' needs by curricular adaptations. When the setting of goals was left to individual trained teachers, some chose goals that were easy to implement and had little or no real impact on instructional techniques. (CR)

Introduces mathematical guessing games to teach algebra that motivate students in learning mathematics by stimulating their curiosity and problem-solving abilities. (ASK)

Investigates the relationship of third and fifth graders' awareness of the structure and meanings of derived words and the relationship of these forms of morphological awareness to word reading and reading comprehension. Shows that awareness of structure was significantly related to the ability to define morphologically complex words; some aspects…

This case study describes the effects of an art program in raising the self-esteem of an artistically talented fifth-grade girl who remained in the regular classroom while her academically gifted classmates left for gifted programs. Each assignment in the art program, and her response to the activity, are described. (CR)

This study with 155 fifth-grade Italian children examined students' metacognitive beliefs in mathematics and their relation to problem-solving performance. Poor problem solvers had lower metacognitive awareness, believed number size was an indicator of problem difficulty, and made more computational and procedural errors. (DB)

TAR WARS is an interactive, anti-tobacco program for fifth graders designed to promote positive health choices by increasing students' awareness of attitudes regarding tobacco use and the effects of tobacco on the body. The program encourages health care provider involvement in community health activities and mobilizes community support against…

Recounts the creation by fifth- and sixth-grade students of their own personal "molas," based on the fabric art form of the Cuna Indians of the San Blas Islands off the coast of Panama. Tells how students created their designs based around a central image surrounded by geometric patterns and colors. (DSK)

Reviews observational data concerning the social interactions of preadolescents and examines the role that peers play in children's social development. Findings indicate that peer responses to a child's early efforts to interact with others determines whether the child will be accepted and included in social activities or subjected to rejection.…

Reports on a case study that used archival and contemporary source materials in project activities. Analyzes the curricular science activities as students build and use archives of historical and contemporary naturalist materials. Discusses the feasibility and benefits of using historical source materials in elementary science education. (Contains…

Discusses a fifth-grade sculpture project that uses a subtractive, rather than additive, technique. Students carve an animal sculpture from a block of simulated stone compound. Explains the process and how to make the simulated stone compound. (CMK)

Content (item) bias on the Mental Processing Scales and the Achievement Scale of the Kaufman Assessment Battery for Children (K-ABC) was investigated with 100 Mexican American and 100 White fifth- and sixth-grade boys and girls. Biases were found against the Mexican American sample. (JBJ)

Fifth graders were assigned to peer status groups after completing a peer nomination technique. The next school year, 45 of the subjects (now sixth graders) were interviewed to assess reactions to the sociometric procedures. Subjects liked participating, although they did not like the negative nomination technique. Comments were analyzed by peer…

Clinical interviews with nine fifth graders revealed that experiences play a pivotal role in their understanding of pests. They lack well-developed schema and language to discuss pest management. A foundation of core biological concepts was necessary for understanding pests and pest management. (Conatains 34 references.) (SK)

Discusses Vincent Van Gogh's painting "Starry Night" and describes a lesson where fifth- and sixth-grade students created their own version of the artwork. Explains that the students utilized four colors of Permoplast clay, using their hands and fingers as brushes and blending tools and the clay as paint. (CMK)