Presented are ideas for small, inexpensive, often portable "mini" learning centers covering many elementary school subjects. The minicenters are designed for containment in boxes and bags or on art easels. (SJL)

This study unit contains suggestions for learning activities in the area of computer science. Ideas are provided for creating a computer-interest center, books and references about computers, and class activities. (CJ)

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)

Four student minicenters, concerning friendship, good grooming, good housekeeping, and fitness, are described. Reproducible materials to be used in the centers are included as well as instructions and suggestions. (CJ)

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…

Suggests setting up a cooking center in the elementary classroom. Presents a rationale for using cooking-related activities and recipes with language activities, and lists children's books concerning apples, gingerbread, donuts, and pretzels. (SJL)

Presented are 38 spelling activities which can be prepared for independent study. For those activities involving specific classroom tools and materials, these materials may be placed in a shoe box with directions for the activity stapled to the top of the box. (KC)

Suggestions for teachers conducting open houses, in which parents see the progress and work of their children, are presented. Various ways to display student work, make a positive impression, and elicit parent participation are described. (CJ)

Students celebrate Black History Month in a variety of ways. Examples from teachers on ways to celebrate include creating a Black Hall of Fame, a freedom center, a presentation on African History, and a school presentation giving tribute to Black Americans. A teacher resource guide is listed. (DF)

This article describes how to structure a unit on historical fiction around a creative arts center that allows students to explore and express themes they read about. Included are short descriptions of books; suggested materials for a creative arts center; and related activities in music, art, drama, and creative writing. (IAH)

Spelling centers are useful as elementary students become adept at managing their spelling practice. Teachers can store regularly-used spelling materials at spelling stations. This article presents two spelling-station activities. One helps students become more aware of how to spell well. The other helps students make individual spelling lists and…

Ways in which elementary school teachers turned spaces into environments conducive to learning are described. Included are: (1) student offices; (2) seldom-used stairwells; (3) reading lofts; (4) a "fort" learning center; and (5) a garden spot for quiet study. Ideas for classroom storage are also presented. (CJ)

Teachers, students, and parents at Tecumseh Harrison Elementary School (Vincennes, Indiana) are pulling together to make the school the best that it can be. Innovative approaches include learning centers (on publishing, for example), individualized instruction, and videotaped lessons. (PP)

Spelling activities that draw upon all of a student's senses--visual, auditory, and kinesthetic--are described. Instructions for setting up a kinesthetically based holiday center that will develop a taste for spelling and a feel for words are also given. (PP)