This article shows how kindergarten children who are required to write stories are better speakers, earlier readers, and more careful communicators. The children write or draw their stories to the best of their ability, and the teacher adds conventional spelling. (DF)

The games described could help provide experiences in self-assertion and leadership in the classroom. (MM)

When children are taught to appreciate the freedom and power of self-expression, they become motivated to master writing skills. Ways of encouraging creative writing in the classroom are offered. (DF)

Teachers must first become confident with their own writing before they can guide students toward being effective writers. Insight into understanding writing behavior and developing trust and control are offered. (DF)

Students' personal responses to literature provide the focus that makes a reading curriculum effective. Teachers can create a classroom that instills positive attitudes towards reading by providing a variety of reading materials, encouraging students to share responses, and by not using literature as a camouflage for teaching reading skills. (DF)

As a child develops, perceptions of the world and idea concepts change, but creative expression and innovative thinking can be encouraged by the teacher at each stage of the child's development. (JD)

Educators who want to make movement a part of their teaching must teach students the basic steps that comprise movement. This involves expanding students' range of locomotion, teaching spatial relationships, and exploring different body shapes. Literature references for teaching movement, a list of resources, and six teaching tips are included.…

This article describes the teaching innovations used by a fifth-grade teacher of gifted students. (JD)

A fifth grade teacher describes ways to curtail tattling in the classroom by teaching students to express themselves in writing. When a problem arises, students are encouraged to write notes explaining their side of the story. The teacher reads the notes, talks with the students involved, and handles things accordingly. (SM)

First grade teachers detail how they successfully taught students assertiveness techniques for conflict resolution. Three times weekly, children learned to express themselves and take more responsibility for their behavior. Role playing was an important component. Teachers modeled assertive behavior, and parents were apprised of the situation so…