Ways to keep children's minds on school as summer approaches include: (1) saving exciting topics or student projects for the last weeks of school; (2) going outside for activities that take advantage of the weather; (3) building finish-up stations where pupils can complete last-minute work; and (4) helping children plan summer activities. (PP)

This article suggests 11 projects for prekindergarten and kindergarten children (1) to teach letter recognition; (2) to develop eye-hand coordination; and (3) to help children understand weather; and (4) to provide art and drama activities on Thanksgiving themes. (PP)

Ideas for spring arts activities include a whimsical play about royal dragons, a skit on an April fool, and a song. Instructions for making brightly colored birds from boxes, a happy day hat, decorated eggs, and other art projects are given. (PP)

Learning activities that introduce new twists to teaching such basic subjects as mathematics, social studies, reading comprehension, music, science, creative writing, and spelling are described. (CB)

This teaching unit on using shadows in science instruction and other class activities explains how to set up and equip a "super private sleuthing box" where students can solve mysteries such as where to find shadows and how to shrink or enlarge them. Ideas for making silhouettes and shadow plays are also given. (PP)

More than 50 starter ideas for social studies projects and units for the primary and intermediate grades are presented. These help develop children's skills in social studies, reading, handwriting, and language arts, and stir their interest in local history and government. Activities can be used for new projects or to enrich ongoing ones. (PP)

This special section presents Christmas and Hanukkah holiday activities and describes decorations and gifts that children can make. Other seasonal ideas include a Christmas luau dance, a magic Christmas tree, and Christmas and Hanukkah games and stories. (PP)

Five different art activities, using different media, are described: (1) "mystery molds," using plaster and discarded packaging materials; (2) "calico cottages," using boxes and fabric; (3) "foam friends," using plastic foam packing pieces; (4) "bauble boxes," using spray can tops and papier mache; and (5) "soft stuff," using old clothing. (CJ)

This article offers teachers tips about how to get off to a good start when the new school year begins. Suggestions are given for setting up initial activities, making door signs that help students practice reading, starting group stories, scheduling time, and getting to know students. (PP)

Seventy-one ideas for learning activities in the elementary school classroom are described. Activities are included in the areas of fine arts, mathematics, language arts, history, writing, listening skills, and science. (CJ)

Over 30 activities for elementary school classes during the first week of school are described. Ideas are included for a first day checklist, correct pronunciation of names, getting acquainted games, and classroom organization hints. (CJ)

Recommended activities include: (1) etymology exercises for elementary school students; (2) a search for information about Alexander the Great; (3) monthly inspections of the school yard to observe environmental changes; and (4) an art history unit on Cro-Magnon cave drawings. An interdisciplinary unit on transportation is included. (PP)

Teachers who follow this monthly schedule for starting and cultivating plants in their classrooms can look forward to blooms and greenery throughout the year. Advice on choosing plants, making cuttings, forcing bulbs, rooting sweet potatoes and pineapples, and holding a Mother's Day plant sale is included. (PP)

Twenty-three classroom projects are suggested, involving use of: (1) poetry and other language arts skills; (2) basketball terminology; (3) Thanksgiving themes; (4) history and geography; and (5) bulletin board ideas. (PP)

Ten seasonal plays are presented: (1) September (nutrition); (2) October (Halloween); (3) November (Thanksgiving); (4 and 5) December (Hanukkah, Christmas); (6) January (Martin Luther King, Jr.); (7) February (friendship); (8) March (Saint Patrick's Day); (9) April (Easter); and (10) May/June (Memorial and Flag Days). (CJ)