This presentation reports the first phase of a multi-phase project to develop computer readiness materials for children. Materials are intended to prepare children to work with computer-assisted instructional programs. This first phase of the research involves designing and testing matrix boards, which are used to teach preschoolers and…

The information and activities in this handbook are designed to help children focus on the special needs that animals (wild and domestic) have and what children can do to help meet these needs. The following are included: (1) activities and games on the care of domestic animals; (2) instructions for making a book which shows the similarities…

The educational value of games includes learning to: (1) follow directions and use social skills; (2) review information and use cognitive skills; (3) make decisions and live with the consequences; and (4) become aware of new information. This paper describes how teachers might use small group games to reinforce what is taught in social studies…

The ability to retain many songs in memory makes them an important tool for language learning, but one that is often underused. A commercially-produced set of materials called "Singlingual" puts everyday German words and phrases to well-known tunes, a technique students can use to develop their own songs. In addition to readily-available…

This paper describes motor development and movement skills and lists activities appropriate for kindergarten students. Locomotor, stability, and manipulative skills are defined and stick figure drawings are presented of kindergarten-level exercises. Games for enhancing locomotor and manipulative skills are described. "Stunts" and other activities…

This study investigated the effects of using two microcomputer games to help children in grades 4 to 6 develop and apply concepts of probability. To achieve the object of the games, a player should choose moves ("captures") so that the probability of recapture by an opponent is minimized. Questions addressed included whether students…

Educational games are usually developed by copying existing recreational games and adding instructional components, or by using the intuitive preferences of the designer. However, existing games attract people through ideological value exemplifications. Moreover, whatever else they teach, games teach ideologies of either preservation, equality, or…

De Castell and Jenson argue that educational game development has generally overlooked what recreational-commercial games exploit, foster, and understand. They strongly believe that games can support educational objectives, but can only enjoy real success if they are remodeled to resemble recreational-commercial games. De Castell and Jenson used a…

Four major types of games using two sets of materials (Logical Blocks and word cards) are described: free play with the materials; organization of materials; relations games; and classification by one, two, or three attributes simultaneously. (DT)

Discusses the value of block building in fostering motor and social development and suggests environmental components that will produce a constructive and imaginative use of blocks. (CS)

Described is a collection of 130 teacher developed materials for use with regular and handicapped elementary level students. Descriptions usually include a drawing of the item, name of item, cost, purpose, instructions, type of children, construction materials, construction, name of developer, school, and position. Provided are such items as a…

Various techniques for involving student in evaluation are described all of which make evaluation a learning activity. (JH)

Mathematical games help students at Temple University; a mobile laboratory brings data-processing instruction to Oklahoma students; Career English helps Santa Clara students qualify for jobs. (Author/MLF)

This volume of a publication devoted to providing ideas and guidance for teachers of English as a second language includes articles on teaching communication and syntax and on using games, cloze procedure, and dialogs in the classroom. (MMN)