To enliven her class' study of the American West, the author had students write letters as if they were pioneers heading west. The results were developed into a school play, an excerpt of which forms the bulk of this article. (SJL)

This document contains a trilogy of one-act plays, three multiple-act plays, and guidelines for using drama in adult literacy education classes. The background of the plays' development is outlined in a brief introductory section. Ideas provided for using drama in literacy education are procedures for conducting readings, suggestions for assigning…

Suggesting that reading plays aloud is an effective way to promote literacy and history in the grade 4-8 classroom, this book presents 22 short, readers' theater plays about extraordinary American men and women. The plays in the book are designed to enrich classroom learning by building oral literacy, fostering a knowledge of American heritage,…

This book summarizes itself as "A collection of excerpts from children's literature on themes related to the United States Constitution scripted in Readers Theatre format for elementary school students." It is based upon the belief that an integrated curriculum that correlates content and skills is most appropriate at the elementary…

Readers Theater is a presentation by two or more participants who read from scripts and interpret a literary work in such a way that the audience imaginatively sense characterization, setting, and action. Traditionally, the primary focus of readers theater is on an effective reading of the script, not on a dramatic presentation. The scripts in…

This book, indicated for grades 2-6 (ages 7-12), aims to assist teachers in helping their students learn about good and bad choices, causes and consequences, and empathy and compassion through a unique and realistic story. In the book's story, Jason's plots to get Rachel kicked out of school keeps getting turned against him until, in an art…

This activity packet produced by the Shell Oil Company, United Kingdom, addresses the environmental issue of waste. The packet is comprised of three booklets: Notes for Teachers; Student Activities; and a student story book, Trouble at Deetown. The teacher section provides teaching suggestions corresponding to the student sections and a glossary…

This military history board game can be used as an extracurricular, extra credit, or classroom incentive project. The game serves to quantify an historical event so that it enriches the study of history for both verbally and mathematically inclined students. Although most suitable for eighth grade and above, the game may be played by some younger…

This 30 to 40 minute drama for elementary school students takes place in and around the Pennsylvania State House, Philadelphia, on September 17, 1787, the day the Constitutional Convention ended. The drama focuses on five major points: (1) the Colonial Confederation's situation at that time, which necessitated calling for such a convention; (2)…

A teaching unit uses the songs of sailors, loggers, coal miners, and other workers to illustrate how the United States was built in the nineteenth century. Words and music for seven songs are given, along with classroom activities to help children understand occupations and industries during that time. (PP)

This 30 to 40 minute drama for secondary school students takes place in the Pennsylvania State House, Philadelphia, on September 17, 1787, the day the Constitutional Convention ended. James Madison serves as the drama's spokesman. The drama focuses on five major points: (1) the Colonial Confederation's situation at that time, which necessitated…

Cooperation is one of the central motivating forces in the economic and social organization of China. This unit utilizes a game called "Broken Squares" to initiate a discussion of the concepts of cooperation and competition as possible models for problem solving. In the game, students are confronted with a group task and provided with…

This book for children (ages 8 to 14) and accompanying teacher/parent guide presents the story of two sisters, one of whom has a physical disability, as they prepare to participate in a wedding. Information on the disability is deliberately presented subtly and incidentally to encourage the reader to relate more personally and foster a deeper…

"Unheard Voices" was a project designed to provide adult educators with specific guidelines and ideas for integrating a creative writing component into an existing program of adult basic education, General Educational Development, or English as a second language. The project also collected and published student poetry and fiction in…

This book for children (ages 8 to 14) and accompanying teacher/parent guide presents the story of two young friends, one of whom uses a wheelchair and coaches her friend in coping with a broken leg. Information on the disability is deliberately presented subtly and incidentally to encourage the reader to relate more personally and foster a deeper…