Attempts to find a middle ground between the extremes of direct instruction and discovery learning by creating a process that helps young children acquire beginning writing and spelling skills without the "drudgery" associated with drill and practice and the anxiety associated with spelling quizzes. Describes the "Share and Compare" process that…

Illustrates flexible grouping configurations, discussing how different perspectives and theories of peer learning are required to account for their intended effects. A classroom example is provided to illustrate each context discussed. The article also presents examples of an instructional strategy in one multiage classroom where the teachers…

In nongraded, multi-age classrooms, children have the opportunity to learn a great deal from their more proficient classmates. Children in multi-age, nongraded programs often learn that children differ, and they learn to assist each other in productive ways. The organizational scheme has the potential to remove much of the competition of…

In this book, an experienced elementary school teacher recounts how she and three other teachers of grades 4, 5, and 6 decided to relax the compartmentalization of learning into subject areas and shuffle subject matter into new patterns to offer students a voice in their education. The book describes how the teachers created a multiage…

Examines one school's implementation of Basic School approach, characterized by connections among curricular areas, classroom and resources, the school, community, and parents. Describes classroom strategies, including mixed-age classes, two-year classes, and peer helpers. Describes community connections, National Guard mentors, running community…