Discusses the importance of vocabulary development in literacy programs. Uses six criteria to describe the ideal vocabulary development resource with the awareness that most commercially available resources will need to be supplemented by the teacher. Reviews five instructional resources available for the intermediate and middle school grades. (MG)

Recommends four resources (including basal materials) to use when designing reading-language arts curricula for classroom or school districts. (MG)

Reviews LESSONS FOR LEARNING: HANDBOOK OF MUSEUM-RELATED LESSON PLANS which contains 20 lessons designed to correlate art with other subjects in the elementary and middle school curriculum. Assesses strengths and weaknesses of the handbook, concluding that, although lessons are uneven in quality, many original and interesting ideas are proposed.…

Reviews a curriculum resource unit entitled "Life Expressions: West African Art in the Collection of the Seattle Art Museum," produced by the museum and adaptable to any grade level. The unit depicts art in its cultural context and allows students to take in information in their preferred learning style. (MDM)

Describes a variety of teacher-recommended books and videos to help educators sharpen their professional edge at home. Topics include classroom management, understanding students, professional development, changing the system, and curriculum (language arts, social studies, science, and math). (SM)

Reviews (1) A Middle School Curriculum from Rhetoric to Reality, by James A. Beane; (2) Enquiring Teachers, Enquiring Learners, by Catherine Twomey Fosnet; (3) How Children Construct Literacy, Yetta M. Goodman, ed.; (4) The New Literacy, by John Willinsky; and (5) The Everyday Guide to Opening and Operating a Child Care Center, by Daniel F.…

Argues for the place of mathematical literacy in a just society, and examines the value of the reform movement in mathematics education toward multiculturalism and whole language from the experience of a fifth-grade teacher of mathematics. Critically examines classroom activities suggested by Zaslavsky's book in terms of appropriateness for…

Process-centered and problem-solving software can help students develop the skills and strategies needed for independent thought. Different categories of process-centered software are described, with examples of appropriate innovative packages, as well as several classroom activities which illustrate one teacher's use of the computer to promote…

Article discusses the four elements of good elementary science programs and offers ideas for creative hands-on science and across-the-curriculum activities (e.g., a please touch science center, curriculum planning chart, and getting to know you water activity). It notes science-related events and describes four science reference books. (SM)

Describes a videodisk called "Draw and Color Funny Doodles with Uncle Fred" on drawing for an elementary school curriculum. Library media skills objectives, art objectives, grade levels, resources, instructional roles, activities/procedures, evaluation, and follow-up are included. (LRW)

Discusses performing arts materials and programs in elementary and middle school curricula; notes developments of performing arts programs in certain states. Describes selected children's books with performing arts themes. (AEF)

Discusses the picture books of Leo Lionni and describes how Vivian Gussin Paley, a Chicago elementary school teacher, used his books for an entire year's curriculum in her kindergarten class. Highlights include children's engagement with literature, and other learning activities based on the books. (LRW)