Sure, it would be nice to start a school garden, but there will be plenty of time to do it in the spring. Think again. If one's goal this year is to start a class garden, it's already time to start planning! In this article, the author shows just how (and when) to do each step with a full-year calendar.

"It must be nice to have summers off." Only other teachers know just how short summer is, with much of August devoted to planning for the new school year. This article offers 17 fresh ideas for exploring, making money, and preparing for next year. Plus, a reading list that hits all the marks!

Bigger classes are the reality for more and more teachers across the country. In the 2010-11 school year, 57 percent of districts increased their class sizes, and 65 percent anticipate doing so in 2011-12, according to a December 2010 survey by the American Association of School Administrators. So how do teachers cope? Experts and veteran teachers…

A fifth-grade teacher in Kansas City, Missouri, wanted volunteers in her classroom--to help her individualize instruction, work with students who have emotional problems, and allow her more time to plan her instruction. But when two adults volunteered to help, she couldn't think of anything specific for them to do. Here are suggestions for…

This three-part guide explains to elementary teachers how to recruit, train, and effectively use aides and volunteers in the classroom. (SJL)

Programs that involve the help of volunteers (parents, older adults, community members) in the elementary school classroom are described. Tips for starting a volunteer program are provided. (CJ)

Two articles present suggestions for enhancing classroom management in creative ways. The first article describes how to use flexible seating arrangements to encourage cooperation, friendship, and community. The second article discusses how to encourage and work with classroom volunteers from the community. (SM)

Handling upset parents, unexpected kid behavior, and touchy school politics are some of the toughest parts of a teacher's job. As such, it never hurts to have an emergency plan or two tucked away and a few tried-and-true strategies one can count on. In this article, the author presents several sticky situations and corresponding solutions for…

Described a program designed to help no-English speaking and/or foreign-born students adjust to the environment of the American classroom. (Author/RK)

Author discusses attitudes and problems he encountered when a parental assistance program was initiated in his school. (RB)

Article considered the advantages and the disadvantages of using parents as volunteers in the classroom. (RK)

Describes several programs in which senior citizen volunteers share their experience and knowledge with children in elementary classrooms. A short bibliography of children's books that deal positively with older people is included. (JMB)

Suggestions for meeting the special needs of gifted students are presented. (RW)

In Baton Rouge, Louisiana, teachers and parents use a kindergarten screening and academic readiness intervention program that nips potential learning problems in the bud. (Editor/SJL)

With field trips curtailed by budget cuts, this elementary teacher provides outside learning experiences in science and social studies by encouraging her students to write letters. In this way, students have requested learning materials, invited guest speakers to visit the class, and learned about other countries through pen pals. (SJL)