This facilitator's guide is designed to assist professional learning communities (PLCs) in applying evidence-based strategies to help K-8 English learners acquire the language and literacy skills needed to succeed academically. Through this collaborative learning experience, educators will expand their knowledge base as they read, discuss, share,…

These handouts, which are meant to accompany the facilitator's guide, are designed to assist professional learning communities (PLCs) in applying evidence-based strategies to help K-8 English learners acquire the language and literacy skills needed to succeed academically. The facilitator's guide uses a five-step process for collaborative…

A teacher describes how a classroom diary, part of a daily classroom routine, was created through class members sharing their experiences with each other. The diary also served as a teaching tool in such areas as language arts and handwriting. (CB)

"Chisanbop" is a Korean word which means finger calculation method. It is based on the Korean abacus, and its emphasis is on fives. By using Chisanbop techniques, one can add, subtract, multiply, and divide large numbers. Chisanbop can be taught most effectively to large groups in the second grade. (JN)

This article discusses the Self-Regulated Strategy Development (SRSD) approach to teach writing skills to students with learning disabilities. It examines how SRSD is implemented in the classroom, how teachers can plan for and evaluate SRSD, the research evidence supporting SRSD, and the method's six stages. An example in a second grade classroom…

An introductory multiplication lesson, used successfully with second graders, is detailed. The method takes advantage of prior knowledge acquired in a geometry unit of study. The lesson is seen to have potential for other grades teaching multiplication for remedial work, and explaining the commutative law. (MP)

A 12-lesson course using a microcomputer with second graders was developed by a parent and a teacher. In addition to the course outline, specific suggestions for conducting the course are given. (MNS)

Describes a teaching technique that develops concepts of weather and seasons through the use of a weather calendar and graph. Suggests daily and monthly activities for the first-, second-, and third-grade curriculum. Concludes that this technique helps students develop a foundation of essential geography skills and processes. (KO)

Presents a problem solving strategy developed by a second grade student that goes beyond modeling an intuitive or informal interpretation of an operation to solve division problems. Concludes that good teaching should build on pupil's existing preinstruction knowledge and recognize a pupil's attempts at creative solutions. (MDH)

This resource file contains information for Utah elementary school teachers to help their level 2 students meet the state's instructional objectives in the social studies. This particular student level emphasizes community relationships. The following disciplines are covered in the resource file: psychology, anthropology, sociology, geography,…

This unit of study is designed to teach the science of wild animals to students in the primary grades. Included are a list of materials for the unit, a discussion of the use of process skills, a list of unit objectives, vocabulary, teacher background information, 13 lessons, 3 quizzes, and a unit test. Lessons are oriented toward hands-on process…

Based on a year's work with 16 second grade students, this two-part paper reports the successful use of the Marathon Writing (continuous writing for short periods on a regular basis) strategy in encouraging beginning writers to write independently. The first part of the paper explains the technique of marathon writing, and notes that even though…

Describes a study conducted at a Texas elementary school which examined the types of questions second-grade children ask as they are taught to use microcomputers. A classification of questions into eight categories indicates children asked most about keyboard, data entry, and meaning of program instructions. (MBR)

An open classroom provides the setting for a Philadelphia teacher who uses unconventional but effective methods to teach the three R's. Examples of Lynne Yermanock Strieb's approaches to teaching reading and mathematics to first- and second-grade students are given. (PP)

Several elementary teachers present school-tested ideas for student assessment and activities for teaching writing. The article describes how one school conducted student assessment using a new checklist system and portfolios. Information is presented on schools that integrated literature, art, life skills, math, and role playing to teach writing.…