This book presents a view of teaching and learning that emphasizes meaning and understanding over coverage and facts. Support is given for an integrated approach to teaching social studies and placing social studies at the center of the entire school curriculum is advocated. Chapter titles are: (1) "Integrated Curriculum" (introduces the reader to…

Describes the collaboration between two teachers, involving six eighth grade and two ninth grade English classes, to present a unit reflecting the needs, hopes, and potential of the handicapped. Explains how volunteerism was incorporated into the classroom. Describes preparation, traveling to the Special Olympics State Basketball Tournament, class…

Noting the need for children's librarians, preschool teachers, and storytellers to keep their programs interesting and fresh, this guide is comprised of 48 theme-based units for preschool-level programs in libraries, early childhood settings, or at home. The guide is presented in two parts. Part 1 contains tips for theme-based program planning and…

This paper explores the use of conceptual themes as a framework for interdisciplinary studies with gifted students. Describes sample themes and suggested student products, as well as guidelines for brainstorming, planning activities, facilitating production, and evaluating student products. (PB)

This article presents arguments for including activities to develop students' sense of humor and related skills in the gifted curriculum. Cognitive skills, reading, writing, mathematics, communications skills, and self-concept are seen as beneficiaries of humor units. A group activity and projects for a school comedy club are described. (PB)

One of the major problems with the English curriculum is that literature, language, and composition, the three major strands of the curriculum, have been separated rather than integrated within the curriculum. This inservice program, which was given for English teachers at Niles High School in Skokie, Illinois, advocates the use of conceptual or…

Although an Australian educator had taught isolated aspects of functional grammar for a number of years, she felt that she had not put enough energy into building field (topic) knowledge. With the unit featured in this PEN Digest she aims to focus on building a quite extensive knowledge of the topic--snakes. According to the Digest, the educator…

The Global Rivers Environmental Education Network (GREEN) watershed education program is unique from other water monitoring programs because it emphasizes action-oriented and problem-solving approaches based on an interdisciplinary education and extensive networking with others traveling down a similar path. This sourcebook offers guidance based…

This unit explores elements of wonder, distortion, fantasy, and whimsy in "The Nursery 'Alice,'" Lewis Carroll's adaptation for younger readers of his beloved classic "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland." In its 6 lessons, students will first explore their concepts about Wonderland, and then listen to the opening chapters of the…

This lesson plan teaches students about the life and work of Martin Luther King, Jr. Students listen to a brief biography, view photographs of the March on Washington, hear a portion of King's "I Have a Dream" speech, and discuss what King's words mean to them. Finally, they will create picture books about their own dreams of freedom for…

Offers guideline for the typical continuing education noncredit course, discussing the restrictions imposed by the minimal number of contact hours and the heterogeneous grouping of students. Recommends independently structured learning modules and a thematic approach, using practical conversational language and lively class activities. (MES)

This resource guide is a collection of activities and lessons that educators can use to promote the 1999 Special Olympics in North Carolina and to increase understanding and acceptance of individuals with mental retardation. Three basic themes are repeated throughout the guide: individuals with mental retardation are valued, contributing members…

This paper describes the development and implementation of an after school program designed to introduce the Spanish language to children between the ages of 5 and 9. The program consists of 8 to 10 weekly units, each lasting 50 minutes, that provide students with basic vocabulary and grammar in an interesting and motivating format. Each unit…

This paper discusses four thematic units that teachers can use with preschool and primary grades, along with examples of activities that can be integrated into each unit. The units include "Land of Many Colors," based upon a book of the same name that tells the story of gingerbread-shaped characters who learn to accept each other even…

The manual, in looseleaf format, is intended for training regular education teachers involved in mainstreaming handicapped students. The manual is organized into seven units of instruction: the law (P.L. 94-142, the Education for All Handicapped Children Act); handicapping conditions; assessment; individualized education programs; instructional…