This article describes a literature-based unit on mythology taught to 85 gifted middle school students. It identifies project objectives, gives examples of the grouping of myths according to broad themes, and provides more detail about one of the themes, assessment activities, and long-term effects of the project. (Contains six references.) (DB)

Designed to introduce students to the world through nonfiction, this book presents easy-to-follow suggestions for class projects, activities, strategies, and learning centers. The book uses an integrated approach to promoting inquiry in the classroom through the use of quality nonfiction. Aimed at middle grade students and using vignettes which…

Discusses problems with existing social studies curriculum, including the dichotomy between in-depth studies and coverage studies, lack of correlation with other fields of instruction, and uncertainty about the appropriate sequential development of concepts. A master plan for social studies curriculum, focusing on grades five through eight, is…

Every day in so many ways, children are surrounded by language: from the language of home and family, to the never-ending bombardment of environmental print, to the clash between school admonitions to use "standard" English and their peer groups' specialized and invented speech. According to the author of this book, students love to…

In an era of globalization, Indiana's cultural, geographic, and economic relationships are becoming more prevalent. This guide is designed for use in middle and high school classrooms to encourage teachers and students to examine their own community's international relationships. The materials were developed by Indiana teachers and are organized…

Intended to help teachers and librarians inspire students in grades 5-9 to read and keep reading, this book provides literature theme approaches and teaching strategies for reading and studying literature. Chapter 1 discusses approaches, methods, techniques, and strategies in using literature approaches to motivate reading. Chapter 2 defines a…

Intended for use in grades 4-8, this book provides teachers and librarians with everything they need for a successful literature-based history program in upper elementary and middle school grades. Through recommended reading selections, extension activities, and other supplementary information, the book integrates historical fiction and nonfiction…

Middle school students enjoy personal finance because it involves making decisions about their lives, both in the present and in the future. This teacher's guide and student workouts package consists of 17 economics lessons for students at grades 6-8 that are divided into 5 theme areas: the economic way of thinking; earning an income; saving;…

Organized around the theme of "challenges," the 11th edition of "Your Reading" offers annotations of more than 1,200 books for young adults. Intended for teachers, librarians, parents, and students, this booklist presents recently published books that can be read for many purposes--for sheer enjoyment of the story, to pique…

Detailing a collaboration between an elementary school teacher and a middle school teacher, this book is about making connections--connections that make learning meaningful for students and teachers. The book describes how the teachers worked to bridge the gap between content area subjects and the gap in their understanding of each other's…

Noting that "theme immersion" is different from the traditional unit or theme approach, this book first defines theme immersion as "an in-depth study of a topic, an issue, or a question." The book then illustrates aspects of theme immersion with teacher profiles, interviews, and classroom vignettes to assist teachers in…

Offering 16 essays by presenters at the first Middle School Mosaic (held in Detroit, Michigan, in 1997), this book connects the themes of literacy, reflective practice, and the special characteristics of middle level teaching. In the first section, Literature and Literacy at the Middle Level, the authors examine questions of literacy by looking at…

Describes a number of thematic units that integrate work in various disciplines, including language arts, social studies, science, and mathematics. Among the topics of the suggested units are time, survival of the fittest, nature, Mexico, the history of the West, animals, and bridges. (DF)

Hierarchical concept maps can be used to preview or review a topic, serve as a means of formal or informal assessment, promote classroom discourse, and provide a visual representation of mathematical connections. (MKR)

This interdisciplinary module for grades 4-8 takes advantage of student interest and participation in baseball. This module presents a conceptual framework for an alternative summer program. Included are suggested activities, materials, and handouts. The module is provided as a guide for teachers and administrators wishing to develop thematic…