Primary students enter the classroom as capable thinkers with unique experiences, skills, and ideas about the world. Using this new collection of articles, educators can build on that preexisting knowledge to take teaching and learning to the next level. This valuable resource will help you. Create environments that boost learning and build social relationships among students; Engage young learners in interpreting complex literature and thinking deeply and meaningfully about math and science; Support culturally and linguistically diverse children; Foster strong ties with families. Using the ideas presented here as a foundation, educators can make the most of their time with students by using each interaction as a powerful opportunity to instill confidence, competence, and a love of learning.

Linking the primary classroom environment to learning / Janet Faulk and Pamela Evanshen -- Teachers connecting with families, in the best interest of the children / Katherine C. Kersey and Marie L. Masterson -- A is Burrito and B is Sloppy Joe: creating print-rich classroom environments / Ysaaca Aexlrod, Anna H. Hall, and Jonda C. McNair -- The book matters! choosing complex narrative texts to support literary discussion / Jessica L. Hoffman, William H. Teale, and Junko Yokota -- Meeting the next generation science standards: best practice for engaged learning / Gera Jacobs and Kathy Crowley -- The importance of deep thought in Mathematics interactions: why focusing on the answer is not the answer / Eugence A. Geist -- Investigating the role of interactive technology in a first grade classroom / Charity-Ann J. Baker -- Social studies from early childhood education to the world / Gayle Mindes -- Guiding children's friendship development / Kathleen Cranley Gallagher -- "We're many members, but one body" fostering a healthy self-identity and age -- Community -- Community explorers: critical thinking strategies for supporting dual language learners / Tamara Spencer and Lisa Hertzog -- Lessons learned from a teacher working with culturally and linguistically diverse children -- / Carla Amaro-Jimenez -- Teacher-made assessments show students' growth / Christine J. Fergusonm Susan K. Green, and Carol A, Marchel.