Kindergarteners' three pretend readings of two picture storybooks are analyzed in terms of approximate, ambiguous, and five types of extrapolated tokens. Seven tables show the results of analyses. It is suggested that children use various constructive strategies to acquire a familiarity with the registers of typical written story language.…

Describes how counselors can apply the family systems model to classrooms in helping teachers create a more open and effective climate. Discusses these strategies for implementation: basic communication and interpersonal skills, fairness conferences, classroom meetings, magic circle and circle of warmth, and role playing. (Author/ABL)

Examines collaborative writing and the importance of children's talk as they write. Provides several examples of children's dialogues during collaborative writing and role-playing sessions. (MM)

Discusses a classroom role-playing exercise in which students and teacher re-enact interviewing techniques that cause subjects to assume characteristics of the multiple personality. Demonstrates the social psychological aspects of multiple personality disorder. Considers the pedagogical and ethical implications of creating the multiple personality…

Describes how the "Iliad" can be taught effectively as a soap opera. (MM)

Five computerized role-playing scenarios accepting unrestricted natural language input were administered to 72 freshman medical students. The scenarios measured and automatically scored responses on five psychological dimensions: social skills, level of frustration, submissiveness, combativeness, and negotiative ability. Tests identified…

Describes the threat of earthquakes, especially in southern California, and the development of a plan that would help parents, children, and staff cope with the emotions and trauma of earthquakes. Strategies include conducting monthly drills, stockpiling supplies, encouraging conversations about earthquakes, and holding a "Pretend Quake…

Improvisation teaches students that they have the power to create. Drama can be a rehearsal for life, where students learn from successes and mistakes. Topics for improvisation can relate directly to class work or stimulate discussion of new topics. The article examines three steps for teaching improvisation (verbalization, visualization, and…

Thirty children (ages 8-12) with language impairment (LI) and 30 children with normal language development (NL) were presented with role-playing situations that required the construction of tactful messages, and their responses were coded to reflect tactfulness. The LI children gave significantly less tactful messages than the NL children.…

Suggests that improvising scenes and developing fictional personas can help students to engage as active learners in their study of literary works. Presents examples of how such activities can be carried out in the classroom. Argues for the use of improvisation in the English classroom. (HB)

Teachers at all levels are encouraged to use role-playing and simulation. Unfortunately, teachers usually overestimate role-playing's learning value and often ascribe too much power to simple simulation activities. Teachers use these methods mainly to change behavior (and values), not reinforce curriculum content. Sociodramas (scenes based on…

Although teachers at all levels are encouraged to use role-playing and simulation, they usually overestimate role-playing's learning value. Teachers use these methods mainly to change behavior (and values), not reinforce curriculum content. Sociodramas (scenes based on typical situations facing children) are more effective role-playing activities…

Describes a five-day instructional unit designed for seventh and eighth graders about the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. Points out that the individual rights in the First Amendment often conflict with the rights of the majority. Provides student questions and suggestions for resources and activities. (CFR)

Outlines a drama lesson, based on the life of Mahatma Gandhi, designed to develop characterization through the use of role playing. (PRA)

Discusses a design-feature framework for analyzing "simulations" in realistic-communication activities in foreign language classrooms. The link between design factors and two aspects of student language (quantity of output and topic-structure) with reference to two "simulation-type" activities are examined. (30 references) (GLR)