Encourages parents to be aware of how natural exploration and play can facilitate learning in their children. Gives activities, adjustable in difficulty depending on developmental age of child, such as cooking that can be used to develop readiness for reading, writing, and math. Includes suggestions for inexpensive materials. (ET)

Describes an active approach to teaching culture in commercial Spanish classes through experiential learning projects. The approach promotes students' linguistic and business skills and allows them to experience cultural phenomena and build cross-cultural understanding using a variety of realistic scenarios. (11 references) (JL)

Describes the TAMARACK program of 4 courses offered as an integrated package to 20 students at the grade 11 and 12 level at Mackenzie High School in Deep River, Ontario. Field trips, extended outdoor environmental education activities, and community activities take place without interfering with other programs in the school. (LZ)

Explores the role of outdoor education in science curriculum development and delivery. Reviews science learning objectives in Ontario and the links between outdoor education and science instruction. Suggests improvements in cooperation between outdoor education centers and science classrooms. (LP)

Discusses the implications of authentic activity as a model of learning, particularly in the design of computer-based simulations and project-based learning activities. Addresses the characteristics of problem-solving situations, educational simulations, and authentic learning activities; and identifies key guidelines in the design and development…

Examines the quality of teaching offered at the Hutterian kindergarten school in New Meadow Run, Pennsylvania, as an example of an outdoor school. Suggests that, based on the ideas of Rousseau, Pestallozzi, and Froebel on early play and natural development, outdoor schools can offer an alternative to current structured academic school activities…

Outlines an innovative approach taken by a TAFE (technical and further education) institute in Tasmania to overcome problems associated with effective implementation of on-the-job training in field placements of early childhood students. The program involves a college-based child care training center, where students in an Associate's degree…

Discusses the importance of mathematical communication that builds on the lives and experiences of all students, particularly African American students in urban schools. Discussion includes understanding the problem, centricity, communication, problem posing, conflict, and persuasion. (26 references) (MKR)

The article describes how one Hawaiian couple came to the decision to home school their son, explaining the educational habits and patterns they established in their lives from the time he was an infant that eventually led into home preschool education. (SM)

Discusses experiential learning and the use of simulations and games. Topics addressed include teaching only with simulations; deception in simulations; ethical issues; benefits of student journals; learning processes; debriefing phases, both oral and written; the role of the teacher; political issues; and designing simulations, including…

For the past four years, a multiage class in Maine has been involved in a pumpkin-growing and -marketing enterprise--a project involving real work and problem solving. Begun with a seed grant, the project raises money for field trips and nonessential teaching materials. Working cooperatively forges strong bonds among children, teachers, and…

Findings from several social science research studies support the view that knowledge is socially constructed and based on the experience and interpretation of events. Results of this study demonstrate that a multimethod approach has greater explanatory power when traditional and contructivist methods are combined. (Author/AEF)

Gardner discusses an eighth form of intelligence which involves the ability to recognize important distinctions in the natural world. He also expresses ideas about apprenticeships and museums, and current policy on assessment and evaluation. (SW)

Describes the methods used by elementary school student parents, teachers, administrators, and the surrounding community to create an urban wildlife habitat in central Phoenix. The program is designed to increase the likelihood of students becoming environmentally responsible citizens. (LZ)

Elementary teachers can help their students learn to respond to stress in healthful ways. The article presents creative, motivating, hands-on activities to help primary and upper level students identify and practice stress management skills. Ten stress management skills for students to learn are detailed. (SM)