Suggests that live plants can brighten up the classroom and can serve as the focus of interdisciplinary learning activities for elementary students. Briefly describes the organization of a "living laboratory" in an elementary school. (SJL)

Ideas for learning centers that will motivate students include: (1) a "railroad station" for reading groups; (2) a model rocket where children can use calculators; (3) a walled-in castle study center; (4) a model one-room schoolhouse; (5) a map center; and (6) a music center. Procedures for building and stocking the centers 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)

In multigrade instruction, children of at least a 2-year grade span and diverse ability levels are grouped in a single classroom and share experiences involving intellectual, academic, and social skills. "The Multigrade Classroom" is a seven-book series that provides an overview of current research on multigrade instruction, identifies key issues…

This booklet is one in a series designed to bridge the gap between theory and practice by suggesting specific classroom activities based on current educational theory and research. Designed for elementary school teachers, it is divided into two sections. The first section discusses such topics as providing a healthy classroom environment for free…

The value of laboratory activity to provide insight into various kinds of careers should be utilized. (Author)

Presents 80 quick activities that elementary teachers can use to get to know their students, reward good work, communicate with parents, brush up on basic skills, spruce up the classroom, pamper themselves, or publicize the school. (SJL)

This handbook provides information on establishing and running learning centers in an elementary school classroom. A learning center is a station containing instruction and materials for one particular project. Every center should include multimedia and manipulative materials that support the topic or skill that is being focused upon. Students use…

Comments of experienced teachers suggest that writing may be avoided in school not simply because of its inherent difficulty, but because its undertaking typically lacks connection to anything else in the lives of students or teachers. It is possible that teachers can best serve the acquisition of writing skills by structuring the social occasions…

Twenty ideas to motivate reluctant young readers in kindergarten and elementary school classrooms are presented. The ideas include reading contests, prizes, classroom decor, and community involvement. (PP)

This report in the National Education Association's "Developments in Classroom Instruction" series presents seven detailed descriptions of models for elementary-level classroom learning centers. It presents lists of materials, suggestions for the placement of equipment, study plans, and evaluation guides for learning centers in a variety of…

This guide provides a framework for creating and using learning centers to meet specific classroom goals, and presents ideas for topics and activities. The first part of the guide: (1) explains what learning centers are and how they are used within classrooms; (2) provides design options for the classroom; (3) suggests ways in which to schedule…

This guide to classroom management, which incorporates the essential features of classroom organization, management, and discipline, provides information to help elementary school teachers establish effective classroom management systems. The text emphasizes prevention through planning and addresses decisions teachers must make in the typical…

Third in the elementary set of teacher-developed instructional activities for teaching geography, this activity investigates spatial allocation through discussion and observation of classroom arrangements. Classroom space allocated for the teacher's desk, aisles, study area, and trash cans illustrates real-world locational concepts of geography…

This booklet offers practical suggestions for implementing and planning social studies programs in the open classroom. Emphasis is on helping students become active and involved learners in an environment in which the concept of education is viewed as a social experience. An introductory chapter cautions the teacher to carefully consider the goals…