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This interactive package features a fully integrated printed text, web site, and PowerPoint slides, which combine the benefits of a textbook and a workbook. The book presents a breadth of targeted, concise mini-chapters called "Topics," which instructors can develop by adding their own material or using assignments and resources from the companion web site. This flexibility creates a more active learning environment, allowing the book to serve as a springboard for classroom activities, web site explorations, and instructor-led activities.

The text's interactive approach allows professors to model the teaching principles and practices elementary school teachers want to use in their own classrooms. These principles and practices are integrated throughout the text and include a focus on active learning strategies, application of constructivist principles, thinking skills, the Internet, and best practices and performance-based assessments based on the NCATE standards model.

• "Teacher's Tips" provide practical ideas to use in the classroom.
• "Quotes for Reflection" present statements from historical and contemporary notable figures that provoke reflection, critical thinking, and values formation.
• "Assignments" are graded projects that require students to think about a concept, reconstruct their understanding of the concept, and apply their knowledge. Assignments appear before or after coverage of specific topics to test comprehension at different points in the learning process.
• "Questions" challenge students on ideas presented in the text. An icon highlights the Questions, reminding students to stop to reflect on the subject.
• "Best Practices" are bulleted lists of teaching examples that relate directly to the topic at hand. They are used as starting points from which students can develop their own lists of examples and unique approaches.
• "Strategy Boxes" highlight an instructional approach or method modeled in the text for use in the elementary classroom.
• Web site resources are a major component of the text package. Many of the resources cited are for both for use in the current course and for future use in the elementary school classroom.
• The Internet is presented as an essential tool for teachers. Students must complete Internet searches, find content, complete assignments at specific web sites, and access ERIC resources and NCSS Position Statements.