Kids learn by doing, which, experts agree, is the only real way to teach citizenship. This article presents election-year activities that stress action. These activities will show students what it means to be a good citizen. (Contains 6 online resources.)

The end of the school year is in sight, but it's not too late to help lower-level readers catch up. Experts across the country were asked about the most common obstacles to reading success--and effective ways to over-come them. Their insights and tips can help a teacher make a real difference before summer begins.

Teacher used square dancing as an activity which she hoped would act as a cohesive force in a first grade classroom. (DR)

A series of four short articles by teachers describing how spelling can be made an activity kids can get excited about. (Editor/MB)

The author describes a project in which students studying the Middle Ages were taught in terms of process rather than by juggling historical facts. Ten learning centers tackled important phases of medieval social life, religious groups, military organization, government and the economy. (Author)

A social studies unit designed to help students learn first-hand how to exert pressure on elected officials. (SB)

Presents the results of the Best Teaching Idea contest that sparked a response that flooded the editors with entries. Here are the 20 adjudged the best ranging all the way from self-made computers to games made by kids to be played with parents. (Editor/RK)

Presents a program developed by three elementary school guidance counselors aimed at promoting student responsibility and respect in the classroom. (JMB)

A teacher explains her technique for ensuring that her remedial reading students are following the text as she reads aloud to them. (SJL)

Maintaining a high "synergy" classroom, when the total effect of the people in an environment seems to be greater than the sum of the effort of the individuals, requires a commitment to a cooperative learning environment and hard work. Here are some learning activities designed to provide students with "synergy" all year long. (Author/RK)

Teachers may use classroom cooking projects to encourage students to read. While developing basic reading skills, students also learn to follow directions and to cooperate in a group project. Three sample recipes are given. The article outlines steps to successfully complete a classroom cooking project. (JL)

A series of short articles describing the involvement of parents in the educational process. (MB)

Suggests some creative ideas in a number of learning areas for elementary education. (RK)

For homework assignments to be effective, they must serve to develop skills and help students gain a sense of accomplishment. Suggestions for developing interesting, positive homework assignments that use contracts and skill cards are offered. (DF)

Author's sixth grade class published their own fiction magazine in a venture that was modeled as closely as possible after a real magazine business. (Author/DR)