By helping children to form positive thinking and learning habits, and to develop a range of transferable skills, we give them the tools they need to become successful learners. This book is grounded in the best of current practice and theories surrounding thinking and learning skills. It provides a highly effective method for introducing a…

This article presents a rationale for using songwriting in the elementary grades and outlines a plan by which a whole class of fifth- or sixth-graders can work together to write a song. (SJL)

Drawing on the skills activities found in a variety of basal readers, this book helps teachers who often struggle to reconcile the mandates of direct instruction on basic skills with the preferences of teachers who prefer to teach using children's literature. The book presents lessons built on a list of skills that students should learn in grades…

Drawing on the skills activities found in a variety of basal readers, this book helps teachers who often struggle to reconcile the mandates of direct instruction on basic skills with the preferences of teachers who prefer to teach using children's literature. It presents lessons built on a list of skills that are usually included in the third-…

Teachers have long surrounded young students with a print-rich environment within the classroom, but the purpose of this lesson is to bring the print-rich environment of the community into the classroom through the use of environmental print, enabling emergent readers to delight in the realization that they are indeed readers. During 10 to 20…

A unit on poetry for gifted students is presented. Five activities focus on distinguishing poetry from prose, poetry from mere rhyme, and examining characteristics of poetry. Excerpts of poems and questions for students are included. (CL)

Experienced elementary classroom teachers and substitutes discuss planning ahead for a substitute teacher, suggesting a substitute folder which includes any information to be relayed and a substitute activity bag containing lessons and activities. Games and activities that can be adapted for any grade level are described. (SM)

This discussion and activity guide is intended to accompany the third season (1991-92) of "Long Ago & Far Away," a dramatic series on public television which combines animation, live action, and puppetry to invite children ages 5 to 9 into the magical land of storytelling. The guide seeks to help teachers, librarians, or parents to…

By reading the novel "From Anna," students will learn about the challenges and problems facing new Canadians and develop a sensitivity to the situations and challenges faced by students with a physical handicap. Learning activities are presented. (RM)

Intended for both novice and experienced teachers, this book helps English teachers incorporate literature into their curriculum. The book presents three sets of lesson plans that can be used right away or be kept as guides for designing lesson plans in the future. The book shows how literature can help students achieve these goals: stimulate…

This paper presents an outline of a five-day program designed to introduce first-grade children to decision-making processes. Included in the paper are: (1) lists of assumptions, goals, and strategies; (2) a day-by-day outline of activities; and (3) a reader's theater script based on "The Legend of the Bluebonnet" for use by the…

Secondary social studies students analyze and discuss a case study dealing with free trade in this lesson requiring one class period. (RM)

This software product is designed to teach spelling. The software may be used without the printed text, but educators will appreciate the added dimension and greater convenience that the lesson plans provide. Along with the 12 lesson plans are worksheets, templates, and other materials needed to complete the activities. Teachers are encouraged to…

Extending the idea of business cards to the literature classroom, this lesson plan discusses having students make business cards for characters and authors. During two 50-minute lessons, students will: identify appropriate symbols that relate to their authors or characters; interact with classmates to give and receive feedback; and explore how…

By making simple bookmarks, students in grades 6-8 practice summarizing, recognizing symbols, and writing reviews in these two 50-minute class sessions--all while writing for an authentic audience. Student objectives for this lesson are that they will: write summaries and reviews for books they read; identify appropriate symbols that relate to…