This book shows teachers how to reclaim their students' attention and, in the process, help them absorb information and stay on task. There are over 30 tips that are practical, not always obvious, and well tested. Three parts focus on: (1) "HotTips for Opening the Lesson" (e.g., fill the room with I.D. posters, ask opening questions, get…

Part of a series offering focused, authoritative treatments of subjects of current interest to educators and other readers, this fastback focuses on the topic of humor, particularly its usefulness in instruction. The fastback asserts that humor can increase attention and retention across curricular areas, create a more positive school climate,…

Presents suggestions for making reading instruction exciting and creative both for students and teachers. Describes the creative reading environment, ways the teacher may foster creativity as a result of reading, and ideas for developing creativity based on reading. Lists 20 creative reading activities. (MG)

This paper addresses factors to consider in establishing a healthy learning environment and a satisfying first-year experience for dance educators. Factors include establishing a positive working relationship with principals and teachers, considering students' physical and emotional development, using discipline, fostering self-management skills,…

A recent study by the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) directly links writing effectiveness to development of skills in critical thinking. This ERIC Digest discusses: (1) recent research on the linkage between writing and learning; (2) successful approaches to teaching writing; and (3) suggestions for including an effective…

Suggestions for creating memorable lessons that keep students' attention include the following: relate what is being taught to students' lives and interests, give students choices, show students that you enjoy teaching, include human emotion and human interest stories, reduce students' negative emotions, make lessons interesting and active, vary…

Gardner's theory of multiple intelligences helps teachers nurture students' unique intelligences. This article explains how one teacher reinvented her curriculum and teaching methods to meet all students' needs, highlighting a unit that introduced the concept of diverse strengths and open-ended exploration of the seven intelligences through…

This book is designed to help teachers link research and theory regarding creativity to the everyday activities of classroom teaching, providing enough theory and enough examples of applications to enable teachers to convert what they learn to their everyday grouping arrangements, lesson plans, assessment activities, and grading schemes. The book…

A collection of tips for teachers offers information on creative class projects; parent involvement; teacher grants; the National Student Editorial Cartoon Contest; a guide to good studying; a tribute to Christa McAuliffe; the Michael Jordan Education Club; good literature; classroom techniques; and language arts, math, and social studies…

This book contains strategies for bringing out energetic, active participation in every training session. "Bright Idea" sections offer ready-to-use solutions, and a full complement of checklists, forms, and additional resources help the trainer take training to new levels of fun, participation, and results. Chapter 1 explores how the brain…