Mississippi's guide for instructional planning for the primary grades consists of six units and appended materials. Research principles incorporated into the guide include: (1) a project approach that encourages the study of specific topics; (2) an integrated language program based on use of children's literature for informal and formal instruction in language arts; (3) mathematics instruction involving the use of manipulatives, a variety of representational forms, calculators, and a strong emphasis on problem solving; (4) student grouping practices that promote collaborative projects and activities; and (5) the design of learning centers to enhance instruction in basic skills. The six unit themes, and their suggested time-lines, are: Living and Learning Together, August-September; Our Town, October-November; Then and Now, November-December; Investigations, January-February; Fantasy and Fact, March; and The Big Backyard, April-May. Each unit follows the same format, consisting of title, topic web, general goals that guide planning, methods of evaluation, specific unit goals, a project section, and an activity section. Required and recommended books are cited at the end of each unit. Appendices provide teacher resource materials, an informal test, a social skills checklist, a reading interview notesheet, and a subject area checklist and developmental checklist. (RH)