Close Reading utilizes several strategies to help readers think more critically about a text. Close reading can be performed within the context of shared readings, read-alouds by the teacher, literature discussion groups, and guided reading groups. Students attempting to more closely read difficult texts may benefit from technologies and platforms…

Computer software to build skills and encourage family computer time over the summer are recommended for teachers to send home to parents. Programs include games based on classic adventure stories, a shopping mall game to encourage math skills, and keyboarding programs. (MT)

Five software packages that can create party decorations, certificates, toys, comic strips, and other graphics are reviewed. Sources of the software are given. (MT)

This article describes how teachers can use computers to handle a variety of classroom management tasks thus freeing themselves for more time on teaching. Suggests first steps for becoming comfortable with computers and reviews and describes five computer software programs for teachers. (JB)

Examines the use of computers, strategies for using packaged software and the use of multimedia in the elementary school classroom. Information on telecommunication software and examples of its use are also provided. The article includes addresses and phone numbers for acquiring product information. (GLR)

Reviewed are four computer software packages including "Project Classify: Mammals,""Living Science Textbook--The Frog,""Life Science Help Series," and "Talking Dinosaurs." Discussed are availability, features, strengths, and weaknesses. (CW)

Two articles discuss changes that are making technology useful to teachers. After examining computer uses in education, the articles describe new research and educational technology trends, and products and projects that got three teachers hooked on technology. (SM)

Reviews the following software: "Pizza to Go,""A World of Animals,""First Start Science,""MediClip,""Zurk's Learning Safari,""Paul Parkranger," and "Forces and Motion." (PR)

Process-centered and problem-solving software can help students develop the skills and strategies needed for independent thought. Different categories of process-centered software are described, with examples of appropriate innovative packages, as well as several classroom activities which illustrate one teacher's use of the computer to promote…

Describes a variety of software programs appropriate for whole-language learning. The software allows elementary students to make picture books and create posters, banners, greeting cards, puzzles, and minimovies and to do group writing activities. Also included is information on resources and computer reading packages. (SM)

Reviews the following computer programs: "Restless Earth" (National Geographic Society); "Science Cap 2.0" (DEMCO); "My Own Stories (MECDC); Wild Science Arcade (Binary Zoo); "Out and About" (Optical Data); "Botanical Gardens" (Sunburst); "BodyScope" (MECC); and "Mineral, Where and Why?" (Arizona Board of Regents). (PR)

Reviewed are seven computer software packages for IBM and/or Apple Computers. Included are "Windows on Science: Volume 1--Physical Science"; "Science Probe--Physical Science"; "Wildlife Adventures--Grizzly Bears"; "Science Skills--Development Programs"; "The Clean Machine"; "Rock Doctor";…

The purpose of this project is to help elementary school teachers get started using the computer to aid the teaching and learning of many scientific concepts in a meaningful way. The authors have developed their own software package, "Elementary Science Activities," and have selected several commercially available software packages that…

This guide explains ways in which the computer can be used in the science classroom and laboratory. Further, it suggests many resources that can be tapped to help teachers initiate and improve their own programs. Chapters include: (1) "The Computer as a Tool for Student Inquiry"; (2) "The Computer as a Tool for Teachers"; (3)…

Reviewed are seven computer software packages including "Frog Dissection Lab Report,""Backyard Birds,""LEGO TC Logo,""Alcohol--Four Interactive Programs,""Windows on Science--Life Science,""Climate and Weather/Our Town Database," and "Weeds to Trees." Discussed are availability, features, strengths, and weaknesses. (CW)