This article describes the process approach to writing instruction, examining the literature-based approach to reading and the whole-language learning approach. In whole-language classrooms, reading, writing, listening, and thinking are interwoven. The article offers ways for parents to support such approaches at home and school. (SM)

Argues that family and community have played, and still play, very important roles in traditional education in Nigeria. Relates how story telling and play form important parts of the informal education and socialization of young children. Appeals to African women not to abandon the great values of traditional education. (AC)

Presents five activities for multiple grade levels and family use that connect mathematics and football by using the Super Bowl. Mathematical concepts involved in the activities include number sense, geometry, measurement, statistics, estimation, and problem solving. Includes reproducible worksheets. (MDH)

Survey responses of 55 public school early childhood education teachers provided information about teachers' perspectives on child rearing, parents' child-rearing capabilities, the mission of schools, teachers' roles, and constraints to effective family-school connections. Differences between teachers' views and the basic tenets of current…

Studied the relationship of family background and child care quality to preschoolers' cognitive, language, and social development. Concluded that family background variables were significant predictors of children's cognitive and language development, and that child care quality variables significantly predicted social adjustment and were a…

Chronicles experiences of a young African-American male student from kindergarten through second grade. Because school personnel were willing to learn about his culture and work extensively with the child's extended family, a mislabeling of serious emotional disturbance was avoided. Explains intricacies regarding African-American cultures of which…

Examines how family composition, size, and atmosphere; parental control; and the level of parental education and socioeconomic status are associated with children's problems at school. Shows that underachievers came from families with absent natural fathers, lower parental control, and negative atmosphere; overachievers came from intact families…

A study examined practices of 101 universities with regard to the inclusion of family-issues courses in their special-educator preparation programs. Most early childhood programs required one or more separate courses in family issues; however, most mild/moderate disability programs integrated this content within the general special-education…

First-grade and kindergarten teachers rated parents' involvement in their children's education. A significant portion of teachers reported limited knowledge of parents' involvement in their children's education. Findings were consistent with reports of a lack of opportunity for meaningful communication between parents and teachers, and indicate…

A study examined family-centered practice in terms of six early-intervention service providers' philosophies and behaviors. Five underlying components of family-centered services were identified: positiveness, responsiveness, orientation to the whole family, friendliness, and sensitivity. Moreover, these service providers displayed skills both…

A home school project was adapted from Crews' picture book Ten Black Dots. Students in four first grade classes engaged in diverse numeracy encounters in child-family interactive math learning exercises using children's literature bags. The planned activities met the K-4 Curriculum and Evaluation Standards of the National Council of Teachers of…

Notes that while parental involvement in the classroom is beneficial, it can be difficult for teachers to maintain a balance between classroom needs and parent preferences. Briefly describes six successful activities for parental involvement and what is expected of parent volunteers for each activity. Outlines five other considerations for…

Considers the family-centered approach to education used in the Head Start program as a model for developing effective early childhood music education programs and encouraging family involvement in music education. Discusses how music educators can contribute to the changing nature of early childhood music programs. (CMK)

Discusses cultural influences on behavior, theoretical assumptions about culturally diverse students, and culturally sensitive behavior management strategies that educators might consider in their efforts to curtail school violence. The strategies are intended to be culture-specific and culture-fair, to humanize school environments, and to…

While focusing on the urban context, this article reviews research regarding the family and peer contexts of risk for antisocial behavior and school failure as well as recent empirical evidence supporting strategies for intervention. Early intervention, family interventions, and school environments that discourage aggression are urged. (Contains…