Describes a project that helps children to realize the potential use of fractions and therefore have an incentive to learn them. (RB)

Describes a successful class in Russian and Soviet literature. (JL)

Presents a planning strategy which a busy social studies teacher may use to create rich resource units that go beyond the single textbook. (SJL)

Describes efforts of the Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus Department of Educational Services to promote the integration of circus themes and activities into elementary school curricula. (CMV)

Suggests stimulating the visual imaginations of student readers of Shakespeare by examining plays from new but related perspectives--for example, discussing "As You Like It" transposed to the Appalachian area. Also suggests a writing exercise in which students describe and justify choices for props, sets, and costumes for similar…

Explores the experimental nature of Montessori, its implicit creativity, the power of commitment over time, the importance of depth, and the need to get beyond the overload of experience. Uses the title of the presentation as a structure, discussing the meanings behind each word. (EV)

Describes some creative teaching "gimmicks," such as a professional microphone, a speed spelling machine, a tachistoscope, and an electronically programable advertising sign. (MM)

Responds to two arguments made by Walter Dick in the debate over instructional design and creativity: (1) "creativeness" should not dominate effectiveness and efficiency; and (2) systematic instructional design methods do result in "creative instruction" when they are used appropriately. Also lists respondent's assumptions and claims. (JMV)

To win new readers, many newspapers are now wooing students and teachers. They offer youth-oriented pages and sections that simplify adult news or examine topics of special interest to teens. Teachers tend to consider newspapers worthwhile educational tools. The article describes how various newspapers deal with students. (SM)

Presents ideas to help elementary educators teach their students thinking skills through word splashes (collages of words and pictures that help students think and make connections). A student page offers a word splash activity. (SM)

Nine elementary teachers explain how they design their classrooms to match and support their instructional styles. The teachers focus on whole language programs, student portfolios, science activity set-ups, technology transformation, learning center strategies, and space utilization. (SM)