This paper argues that the "back to basics" movement represents a simplistic assessment of the problem it is trying to deal with. It is not necessary for the English curriculum to "return" to narrowly defined basic skills because the English curriculum, in fact, never left them, and that is the real problem. Language…

The effects of certain procedures as part of the curriculum in early childhood on the perceptual readiness of children exposed to it are explored. The procedures include: (1) the testing of each child to determine perceptual strengths and weaknesses; (2) the development of "learning print" for each child: a description of integrities and deficits…

Recently an earnest, brilliant, and learned Italian woman, Dr. Maria Montessori, has become famous, probably beyond her desire, for her contribution to the knowledge of little children and for the embodiment of her own and the discoveries of others in what she likes to call "a method of a new science of education." Her scientific investigations as…

Reprinted introduction from a report made available at the Southwest District AAHPER-California AHPER Conference, Spring, 1969. Program developed under Title III of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act. (Author)

Relevant orientation and mobility (OM) skills for visually impaired infants foster sensory, motor, and conceptual development. OM personnel need to consider alternative teaching models, personnel preparation needs, sensory aids issues, and research issues. (DB)

Eighteen science activities that help children learn to use their senses are described. Multisensory activities and single-sensory activities are provided. Each activity includes a list of materials, the procedure, information for the teacher, questions, and a vocabulary list of words often used by children to describe what is taking place. (KR)

Through the use of a visual literacy process of instruction as an initial stage in perceiving and creating, beginning college art students can acquire knowledge and skills for completing successful drawings. This process includes the following steps: selecting a simple and familiar subject; studying the entire form of the subject; looking for big…

A circuit approach and station techniques are used to depict perceptual motor games for handicapped and nonhandicapped children. Twenty activities are described in terms of objectives, materials, and procedures, and their focus on visual tracking, visual discrimination and copying of forms, spatial body perception, fine motor coordination, tactile…

Although over 40 studies have been done since 1925 on map reading, there is little understanding of children's ability to comprehend maps or the mental processes involved. Children's inability to read maps is well document, as are their improved skills after instruction. Yet map skills are part of the elementary curriculum. Success in teaching map…

This paper summarily reviews cross-cultural studies of the art work of lower class black children and middle class white children, research done on cognitive development patterns of inner city blacks, and theories of the way in which experiences with art can affect the cognitive domain of these children. Suggestions for appropriate subject matter…

Sensitivity training in the classroom can help children cope with and adapt to their environment--family, peer group, friends, school, and teachers--and get them to talk honestly and openly about emotional, social, and intellectual feelings and concepts. Some techniques of encouraging students to explore, to become involved with and aware of…

The differing functions of the left and right hemispheres of the brain are discussed and means of developing interaction between the two are described. (JD)

Compared were three perceptual or language instructional programs with each other and with a direct prescriptive approach to reading problems of 112 learning disabled children (ages 6-10 years). (MH)