This book uses a child-initiated, whole language approach to help children have fun while exploring the world of science. The activities are divided into 23 units. Each unit begins with an "Attention Getter," the purpose of which is to introduce the unit to children in a way that grabs their attention, stimulates their interest, and creates…

Use of classic book units with gifted elementary students is described as an interdisciplinary approach to stimulating student interest. Sample activities are offered from a unit on Mark Twain's "Huckleberry Finn," with linguistic, artistic-creative, scientific, mathematical, and socio-leadership activities, classified as application,…

Discusses the use of literature in the whole-language approach. Examples show the integration of a second grader's experiences with the curriculum; integrating the language arts in the middle school via study of the author as well as the book; and the integration of literature into the study of history. Titles to use in each area are suggested.…

Principles of whole-language instruction are being implemented with upper elementary students at the Nebraska School for the Deaf. Students conduct cross-genre studies involving book, stage play, and movie versions of familiar tales. The approach incorporates language arts, social studies, science, art, and speech activities. (DB)

This four-part paper presents aspects of a curriculum developed to counter the violent image of heroes in the media by presenting children with role models of men and women who are peacemakers. The paper's first section presents an overview and rationale of the program, stating that: (1) it is an infusion curriculum (not requiring additional…

With the current emphasis on whole language, the use of children's literature as the basis for reading instruction is widespread. Theme units have been suggested as one way to provide stimulating opportunities for children to explore and learn. Whole language based literature theme units emphasize process more than product. Units are designed to…

An intermediate school teacher describes a successful integrated curriculum unit that taught students basic geography, technology, and writing skills as they pretended to travel across the United States. The project required a large map, a resource library, a computer, and word processing, database, spreadsheet, and drawing software. (SM)

This book describes how to establish a Cultural Exchange Program in a school. The Cultural Exchange Program is a partnership between special education students and teachers, regular education students and teachers, and the community. The program involves a member of the international community visiting the school approximately once a month. Before…

This resource book provides specific strategies and activities for integrating the intermediate geography curriculum with related children's literature selections. The book includes the following sections: (1) "World Geography Overview"; (2) "Oceans"; (3) "Polar Regions"; (4) "Islands"; (5) "Rain Forests"; (6) "Mountains"; (7) "Forests"; (8)…

Exploring what it means for teachers to generate curriculum with their students and to share the responsibility and joys of deciding what and how students learn, this book describes teachers' own experiences in generating curriculum that integrates social studies, literacy, and whole language. The book presents practical ideas that teachers across…

This resource book provides specific strategies and activities for integrating middle grade elementary multicultural studies with 34 related children's literature selections. This book addresses current trends in education: multicultural studies and understanding, the whole language movement, and the emphasis on integrating curriculum areas. This…

The pilot project described in this report involved the development of an integrated art and music curriculum model for elementary grades. In this discussion, an example of one integrated unit is described for each of grades one through six. The curriculum units are centered around literary or musical themes that incorporate a variety of…

This article presents activities for helping gifted students learn about caring, sharing, and charity, with projects in the areas of language arts, social studies, science, and mathematics. Teachers' notes are also included. (PB)

This collection of writings by trade book authors, public school teachers, and college-faculty offers support for using children's literature in history education. Divided into three parts, the Introduction asks "Why Teach History to the Young?" (Terrie L. Epstein). Part 1, "The Creative Process," addresses the process of writing and illustrating…

This book details the studio setting of a history workshop in which learners discuss the meaning of artifacts, oral history transcriptions, historical photographs, and other firsthand sources from the past. Teachers facilitate interactions among children and play the role of elders, guiding younger learners as they explore a variety of historical…