The impulse to investigate the natural world is deeply rooted in our earliest childhood experiences. This notion has long guided researchers to uncover the cognitive mechanisms underlying the development of scientific reasoning in children. Until recently, however, research in cognitive development and education followed largely independent…

The purpose of the book is to provide teachers of psychology access to teaching techniques that epitomize "happy tact and ingenuity." The principle influence that teachers have on student behavior occurs in the classroom since, as noted by Erickson and Strommer, (1991), today's students spend relatively little time studying outside of class. When…

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)

Intended for teachers, this book is a collection of lesson plans created by 28 teachers in North Carolina to provide opportunities that support integrated learning. Using recommended young adult literature, the book presents activities which promote the integration of listening, speaking, reading, writing, and viewing. The book provides two or…

Special class activities for September are suggested. Historical events that took place during the month, observance of holidays and other special days, and the change in the seasons can provide ideas for launching class projects. (PP)

The ideas collected in this twentieth edition of "Ideas Plus" come from two sources: ideas submitted at an Idea Exchange session at a National Council of Teachers of English Annual Convention or Spring Conference, and contributions by readers of "Classroom Notes Plus" and "Ideas Plus." Some of the teaching practices described in this book are…

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)

This resource brings together classroom-tested, successful teaching ideas and activities used by real teachers. The 25 activities in the resource--most requiring little to no advance preparation--involve middle school and high school students in meaningful, active learning on topics in language arts that include public speaking, language…

The 19 ideas collected in this 19th edition of "Ideas Plus" come from 2 sources: ideas submitted at an Idea Exchange session at a National Council of Teachers of English Annual Convention or Spring Conference and contributions by readers of "Classroom Notes Plus" and "Ideas Plus." Some of the teaching practices described in the collection are…

In this contributed collection, 23 teachers explain their successful strategies for teaching the social studies disciplines in a whole language context. The collection covers contemporary subjects, traditional topics, well-known projects, social studies in the community, and multicultural matters. It can be used at elementary through middle and…

The ideas collected in this 18th book of "Ideas Plus" come from two sources: ideas submitted at an Idea Exchange session at the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) annual convention or spring conference; and contributions by readers of "Classroom Notes Plus" and "Ideas Plus." Some of the teaching practices…

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 book, part of a series which serve as guides for K-12 teachers who are striving to align lively, classroom-tested practices with standards, gathers together brief articles spotlighting suggestions for effective instruction. The book contains dozens of diverse and thought-provoking activities for helping very young readers to grow into the…

The need for new approaches, methods, and techniques in cross-cultural training and intercultural education is paramount. This collection of more than 30 exercises and activities aims to help begin a regular flow of materials into the stream of resources available to professionals in the intercultural field. The emphasis in the collection's first…

Canada's present role in the new world order and its trade and economic dimensions are clarified in this book. Furthermore, the book explains the intricacies of Canada's history and multicultural heritage. The chapters focus on the modes of social studies instruction, resources for learning and teaching, the use of films and videos, and new…