Writing and teaching networks provide a way for teachers to support each other by sharing their writing, by reflecting on teaching of writing, and by talking over problems and progress. Ways administrators can facilitate such groups and ways for teachers to organize meetings are suggested. (MT)

This step-by-step approach to class plays will allow students to explore literature, think creatively, and learn to work together. Discussed are how to teach acting, choosing a story, teaching the story, rehearsing, and creating costumes and sets. (MT)

Magic can stimulate children to think creatively and retain what they learn. This article offers tips and step-by-step instructions to bring magic into the classroom. Children learn scientific principles, are required to read and follow sequential instructions, and are encouraged to stand in front of the class. (MT)

Presents suggestions to help teachers enhance class trips to the museum, noting today's museum outreach programs are very useful. After describing what museums have to offer, the article explains how to plan such a trip and how to make the trip run smoothly. A list of must-see museums is included. (SM)

Compact disk-interactive (CD-i) offers high technology learning without computers. CD-i machines work like a VCR, combining video images with interactive aspects of playing a computer game. The paper explains how classes can use CD-i, how to learn and use CD-i, why teachers like CD-i, and what the costs are. (SM)

Presents three ideas to help teachers who have only one computer for the entire classroom. The suggestions include having the teachers use the computer themselves to enhance productivity, hooking the computer up to a visual display, and looking for curriculum packages that inspire groups, not individuals. (SM)

Describes portfolio assessment, recommending it as a means of dynamic and ongoing student evaluation. For students, portfolios stimulate thinking and promote independence. For teachers, they provide a multidimensional view of each child's development. The article explains how to get started, customize portfolio contents, collect notes, and manage…

Creative ways to motivate students to read and report on books include having them retell the stories differently, invent products related to the stories, share snacks like those the characters ate, illustrate action from the story, write imaginary conversations between themselves and the characters, and turn the stories into short skits. (SM)

A series of articles provides suggestions on using classroom libraries. One article suggests filling the library with genre books to inspire critical reading, critical thinking, and learning across the curriculum (folktales, fairy tales, tall tales, historical fiction, biographies, and autobiographies). Another article presents information on…

Describes a multicultural unit for elementary students. Children select a folk art or craft and become experts, learn the craft, research the craft, pass the craft on, and review their discoveries. The unit culminates in a folk arts festival at which students demonstrate their craft to classmates, teachers, and guests. (SM)

This paper answers several frequently asked questions about constructivism, including how to define it, how to plan the curriculum, how to assess student understanding, what to do with the information, where to begin, how students work in a constructivist classroom, and why constructivism is important. (SM)

Describes Math Safari, a mathematical, scientific, geographic, informational adventure for fourth grade students. It integrates all curriculum areas and other skills by using information children must find in books to pose math problems about animals. It encourages cooperative learning, critical reading, analysis, and use of research skills. (SM)

Electronic field trips allow students to visit far away places via the computer, at the same time enhancing their academic skills and learning about inquiry, research, and how to ask questions. The article describes several electronic field trips that are available and provides contact information. (SM)

Educators who want to make movement a part of their teaching must teach students the basic steps that comprise movement. This involves expanding students' range of locomotion, teaching spatial relationships, and exploring different body shapes. Literature references for teaching movement, a list of resources, and six teaching tips are included.…

Distance learning has potential as an educational tool for the 21st century, taking students beyond the classroom and allowing them to interact with people from diverse backgrounds and locations. The paper provides examples of distance learning, noting its advantages and explaining how to establish distance learning sites and classrooms. (SM)