The development of the place value system and its universal use demonstrate the elegance and efficiency of mathematics. This paper examines the concept of place value by: (1) presenting the historical development of the concept of place value in the Hindu-Arabic system; (2) considering the evolution of the number zero and its role in place value;…

It is agreed among most educators that the arts should occupy some place in the elementary school curriculum. Yet the fact is that a strong role for the arts has yet to be developed. This paper argues that at least part of the reason for why such a strong role for the arts does not exist lies in some of the widely held beliefs about the practice…

Focusing on the whole language and the direct instructional approaches, this pamphlet summarizes research on teaching and learning spelling. The pamphlet notes that the goal of the whole language approach to spelling instruction is to produce competent, independent spellers who learn through use and express their progress as increasingly…

The responsibility of all teachers to help children develop spelling strategies is addressed in a series of articles in this journal supplement. Following an introduction by the editor, the articles and their authors are as follows: (1) "Development in Word Knowledge" (Peggy Goldsmith); (2) "Spelling Can Be Taught" (Faye Bolton…

This journal issue provides topics and methods that elementary school teachers can use in writing instruction. The first part of the bulletin describes the nature of the composing process, the types of writing that elementary students produce, and an analysis of teaching strategies. These comments speak to the classroom teacher and reflect recent…

This annual volume is a compilation of professional articles and proceedings from a conference addressing timely issues in speech-language pathology and audiology. Featured articles include: (1) "Glottal Airflow: Instrumentation and Interpretation" (Christine M. Sapienza); (2) "Clinical Implications of Motor Speech Disorders in…

Parent conferencing is a way to dramatically improve home/school relationships. Parent conferences, at their very best, provide the teacher with useful information about individual students. More importantly, however, they create a parent/teacher team atmosphere, with each member contributing his or her knowledge and experience for the benefit of…

Mini-lessons (brief, informative explanations that demonstrate what readers do) are a key instructional practice in meaning centered reading programs. The content of the mini-lessons is determined by the needs of learners. In procedural mini-lessons, teachers explain the steps for successfully completing a task or performing a reading-related…

A number of spelling strategies are available to help students who do not have a good visual memory. Phonics is a valuable tool in the early grades. Many students benefit from studying word families. Mnemonic devices and tactile methods are also useful. Spelling gains importance when students write, although both the purpose for writing and the…

This article examines the conditions that will help teachers improve the reading comprehension of learning disabled students: (1) allow more time; (2) build a framework for comprehension; (3) intervene in the process; (4) engage the learner; (5) match student and material; and (6) expect students to succeed. Two figures are included. (RS)

The teaching activities presented in this pamphlet focus on spelling. The pamphlet begins with a discussion of the relationship between spelling and writing. Following that, it describes a language experience approach and its implications, the benefits of daily writing, and the kind of writing that allows a successful spelling program to operate.…

The teaching activities presented in this pamphlet focus on children's playground rhymes, chants, and traditional verse. The pamphlet begins with a discussion of children's lack of interest in poetry, a definition of poetry, and suggested ways to approach poetry. Following that, it explores ways to use playground chants and traditional verse: (1)…

This guide contains procedures that were devised for use by parents of primary and intermediate grade children who were several years behind in their reading. Topics discussed in the guide's eight chapters are: how to arrange a time and place for reading at home, how to select suitable books for the child to learn from, how to help the child be an…

This 6-issue, complete year of a Belgian-Dutch collaboration offers complete articles on pedagogical subjects, some with an English-language summary; reviews of new Dutch-language books; and titles from related Dutch-language journals. Articles include: "On the Policies of the Journal of Pedagogy" (P. Smeyers); "Pedagogic…

The items featured in this annotated bibliography touch on several aspects of the multifaceted class-size debate. Allen Odden reviews the literature and contends that class-size reduction should be used "sparingly and strategically." C. M. Achilles and colleagues examines two different class-size situations and find student test…