Describes a wide range of activities based on a grade-number theme of "two" in second grade, "three" in third grade, and "four" in fourth grade. (MKR/SW)

Describes the Theme Months concept implemented at Grand Valley State University to coordinate the delivery of educational programs for students. Concept incorporates health issues (sexuality, alcohol and drugs, and wellness) and several other topics (career development, academic skills, and respect for individual differences) into a student life…

Describes a collaborative project between instructors in language arts and social studies at the middle school level that produced a joint educational venture that made reading and writing more meaningful, challenging, and exciting for students and teachers. Describes a "Who's Who" thematic unit integrating reading, writing, and drama.…

Examines the way one ninth-grade English teacher used the film "Dances with Wolves" as part of a thematic unit entitled, "Strength from Diversity." Shows how the film was used and provides responses from many students in the course to the film. (HB)

Discusses three areas in which English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) students are assets to middle school teachers. They provide (1) teachers with the opportunity to become a student of the English language again; (2) teachers with unique information around which thematic units can be designed; and (3) other students with the confidence that their…

Argues that middle schools must help students maintain and increase their abilities in reading. Describes a range of approaches and opportunities to emphasize reading in middle schools, including teams of teachers, tools for teachers, media specialists, public libraries, business partnerships, summertime reading programs, and thematic units. (SR)

Examines the young adult novel "California Blue" and provides related learning activities designed to foster critical thinking skills in high school students. The novel is set in the Northern California logging country where environmental concerns pit a teenager against his family and community. Addresses issues of citizenship education.…

A kindergarten teacher and a language development teacher collaborated in using a thematic literature activity, in which kindergartners focused on a book which was read to them, discussed it, and engaged in related dramatic play; discussed feelings and drew pictures; and recalled earlier sessions of the activity. The kindergarten teacher extended…

An independent school in Encino, California, studied the concept of neoplasticity (lifelong brain reorganization processes) and started using more technology in classrooms. Brain-based programs require a rich learning environment, thematic instruction, integrated curricula, musical stimulation, multiple intelligences, and multisensory specialized…

Stresses that teacher educators should model portfolio assessment in their classrooms in order to encourage reflective thinking and develop future teachers' notions of assessment. Describes the aspects of the theme-based portfolio. Discusses how to evaluate theme-based portfolios, providing questions for peer review and a microteaching peer…

This article examines ways to modify science instruction for students who are culturally and linguistically diverse (CLD). It first discusses the nature of the problem, suggests possible reasons CLD students struggle, and offers principles for planning science lessons. A sample thematic lesson plan in earth science is appended to illustrate…

Addresses the relationship between curriculum integration and classroom relevance in the practices of 29 Canadian junior high teachers. Teachers found curriculum integration rewarding and demanding. Integrated study units exemplified valued forms of learning: higher order thinking skills, problem-solving, applied knowledge, creativity, invention,…

The Minnesota Zoo's School of Environmental Studies is an optional, interdisciplinary program open to juniors and seniors from four comprehensive high schools. The problems posed, like those in the world, require students to think across disciplines. Students measure, analyze, map, photograph, display, and present findings to the local community…

Discusses the project approach in early childhood curriculum, a natural, teacher-supported companion to teacher-directed activities that develops basic skills and recognizes the child's need for hands-on experimentation to make learning meaningful. Describes the three phases of project approach: investigation, fieldwork, and display. Offers…

Using survey and qualitative data, this study identified emergent themes that remain consistent across or differentiate among reports of women earning their doctoral degree relatively quickly ("early-finishers") and those taking considerably longer ("late-finishers"). Emergent themes included commitment to timely degree completion, faculty…