Six years ago, students at Birch Meadow Elementary School (Reading, Massachusetts) were polite to adults, but callous and uncaring toward each other. Today, thanks to a "Just Community" approach modeled on Lawrence Kohlberg's philosophy, students feel a sense of school ownership and responsibility for their classmates. (MLH)

Describes objectives and activities of a humane education program to teach kindergarten students to respect animals. Activities include daily manners practice, observation of nature, bringing animals to the classroom, field trips, and organizing a be kind to animals week. For journal availability, see SO 505 454. (Author/DB)

The act of disciplining children cannot be based upon merely "putting a stop" to negative actions by means of reactionary techniques of control. If educators begin to consider discipline as a major aspect of the educational aim of socialization of children, significant contributions toward their moral and social development will take place.…

Character or values instruction has been relegated to the hidden curriculum since the decline of 1960s values programs. However, teachers are beginning to use character instruction in an organized way. The purpose of this study was to determine whether instruction using children's literature would effect student perceptions of value laden…

This paper looks at some factors which may affect teachers as they attempt to informally invite moral development. Such invitational education, it is noted, stresses the importance of teacher behaviors which intentionally bid students to see themselves as valuable, able, and responsible persons who can behave accordingly. Using pilot study data…

It was hypothesized that (1) classroom conduct problems decline with increasing moral maturity, and (2) Stage 1 and Stage 3 levels of moral reasoning are associated with fewer conduct problems. In a study involving fourth and eighth graders, children with moral reasoning at Stage 1 and Stage 3 had fewer conduct problems than other children. (LB)

Presents a strategically designed plan of moral education that was incorporated into a physical education curriculum. The plan enhanced the social skill development of elementary school students identified as at risk for dysfunctional behavior. The program helped improve communication skills and increase cooperation and sharing among students. (SM)