A teacher dismisses 10 common myths about teaching and explains how they can get in the way of teaching. (MT)

Fifteen ideas for rewarding and motivating students without using stickers are offered. An inset box presents seven more ideas for intermediate students. (MT)

Math doesn't have to be mysterious--even though its language is strange and its customs confusing. Like any foreign country, it can become familiar through exposure and understanding. Six ways to take the mystery out of math are described. (MT)

Three categories of graphs are discussed: real, representational or pictoral, and symbolic. Real graphs are very useful for teaching basic graphing concepts to K-6 students. Three steps in graph making are described: ask the question; collect and organize information; label the graph. A detailed guide to several graphing activities is included.…

A teacher shares her technique for improving student writing: add detail. Forget organization, cutting, and adding more information. Get students to focus only on adding more detail to information already included. Examples are given. (MT)

A seven-step technique is presented for introducing elementary students to the use of metaphors in order to develop their creativity and improve their writing skills. (JD)

Learning-to-learn skills prepare students for the more complex skills of metacognition, which will eventually become a framework for all the individual thinking skills taught. Twelve learning-to-learn skills are identified, accompanied by suggested instructional strategies. The objective of these skills is to make students active rather than…

This step-by-step approach to class plays will allow students to explore literature, think creatively, and learn to work together. Discussed are how to teach acting, choosing a story, teaching the story, rehearsing, and creating costumes and sets. (MT)

Students need to be able to classify mapping devices, map purposes, and code forms so that skills learned on one map setting can be readily transferred to any map using the same techniques. (MB)

To begin formal thinking skills instruction teachers need a plan which consists of a taxonomy of skills, a timetable, and effective teaching techniques. This article presents a condensed version of an existing in-place taxonomy and a scope and sequence timetable which can serve as a guideline for teachers. (IAH)

This article identifies two approaches to teaching specific thinking skills, presents a sample lesson plan, and includes as an example a "Thinking Skills Worksheet" that outlines an approach to teaching the thinking skills of comparing and contrasting. (IAH)

Suggestions are made for overcoming these common learning problems: (1) can't stick to a task; (2) trouble organizing time and space when starting or finishing a task; (3) trouble dealing with verbal information; (4) visual and visual-motor difficulties; (5) trouble understanding spoken language; and (6) trouble memorizing. (JD)

Gifts can link class discussions to the real world while involving children in reading, travel, or a search for information. They make children more receptive to the teacher, school in general, and ultimately to the subject. Ways to find cheap or free gifts for students are discussed. (MT)

Magic can stimulate children to think creatively and retain what they learn. This article offers tips and step-by-step instructions to bring magic into the classroom. Children learn scientific principles, are required to read and follow sequential instructions, and are encouraged to stand in front of the class. (MT)