Reports on an experiment where 64 elementary school students participated in reading, clapping, and vocalizing rhythms notated in color. Results after a 23-week treatment period revealed that the experimental group scored slightly higher reading both colored and uncolored notation than a control group. (MJP)

Describes a unit for the first grade that takes advantage of the fall seasonal changes to explore, be creative, and learn. Ties all the subject areas together through a look at leaves and trees. A list of resources is included. (JRH)

Describes the results of a classroom trial activity to encourage communication in mathematics. Students were asked to write a short story or a joke or to create a cartoon about an aspect of mathematics, which was in this case isolating the variable or property of negative 1. The activity revealed creativity and allowed the teacher to determine how…

Maintains that works of historical fiction and fantasy introduce children to concepts of time and history, as well as allowing them to empathize with other people. Historical fantasy often involves a young protagonist traveling through time and experiencing different eras and events. (MJP)

A preservice physics/chemistry course was created that was inspired by constructivist thinking, that emphasized metacognition, and that integrated concepts of pedagogical and scientific topics by developing a teaching/learning cycle. Denmark's educational system and the implementation of the course are described. Preliminary evaluations suggest…

Reviews a teaching strategy built on the body of research revealing crossword puzzles as effective means of introducing fundamental concepts and vocabulary. Discusses methods for constructing the puzzle. Student responses suggest that the puzzle was useful as a tool for both learning and review. (MJP)

The Inner-City Arts Training program trains Winnipeg (Canada) teachers in art appreciation, visual awareness, and art production. This training allows them to guide their students through extensive projects that encourage individual contribution while furthering teamwork. The consonance between visual and verbal language is used to develop…

Described is a strategy where students write stories to help in the process of solving problems. The strategy is a five-step process which includes prewriting, writing, conference, revising and editing, and publication. (KR)

An activity called class books is described. The activity emphasizes using cooperative learning and integrating many subjects in the same activity. (KR)

The article describes a composite teaching method, the "I Can" strategy, based on methods used by general education master teachers with a history of success in working with at-risk students. Specific strategies are grouped under the following student skill areas: reading; responding to questions; taking risks in learning; and being a group…

Five syntheses of research on teaching are reviewed, with findings relevant to middle level teacher education highlighted. Implications for teacher education are discussed. Topics include preservice field experiences, adolescent student motivation, effective use of class time, effective teaching behavior and student achievement. (IAH)

Provides six themes identified by historians and master teachers that should be the goal of any history study. Suggests ways to develop each theme and offers helpful appropriate resource materials. Stresses building historical understanding and empathy for past times and peoples in young learners. (CH)

Examines the degree to which whole language practices have become a part of reading instruction offered by first grade teachers in six school districts. Finds that teachers spent less than 10 percent of the reading instructional time engaged in practices which could be considered in agreement with whole language theory. (MG)

Presents a lesson developed by the Center for Civic Education giving secondary students the opportunity to explore ethical issues in government from the perspective of corrective justice. Outlines role plays and other class activities based on a fictitious ethics scandal involving bribery. Identifies specific questions to be asked on issues of…

Discussed is the integration of microcomputers into the science laboratory curriculum. The approach provides an exposure to important aspects of computer technology while preserving concrete experiences provided by hands-on laboratories. (CW)