Presents basic guidelines with examples for developing interdisciplinary units grounded in social studies. Discusses the attributes of integrated curriculum and the benefits of interdisciplinary instruction. Discusses ways to use the book "Radio Man" in an interdisciplinary, thematic unit on migration. (SR)

Presents guidelines for developing thematic units for primary students (pick broad-based themes, gather resources, avoid time traps, let student interests guide the themes, create interactive bulletin boards, and organize materials). The article offers ideas, activities, and experiences for beginning a color unit and maintaining thematic teaching…

A teacher recounts a summer school program for 9 students (ages 9-16), all with hearing loss and several with other learning problems. Stressed is the role of the summer program in maintaining academic skills. Specific activities around the theme of "rivers" are detailed. (DB)

Offers four essays containing suggestions from classroom teachers on using big books for sharing reading experiences; poems or paragraphs; an interdisciplinary unit of study for first graders around Tomie de Paola's "The Legend of the Indian Paintbrush"; and comparing film and text to build critical comprehension. (SR)

Suggests that the use of thematic units and children's literature can eliminate the boundaries between subjects and provide opportunities for children to learn in a variety of ways. Presents ideas for thematic units in a number of content areas (health, science, math, art, social studies, and language arts) based on the theme "Mexico." (RS)

Project WILD is a K-12 conservation and environmental education program designed to provide teachers with instructional materials and techniques for integrating education about wildlife and the environment into all major curriculum areas. (IAH)

Discusses a project that (1) uses telecommunications technology to link the river communities of the past with students today; and (2) uses thematic, interdisciplinary projects to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Notes that 20 school buildings in four Ohio school districts will be participating. (RS)

Describes a second-grade classroom activity in which children took photographs of their school while focusing on common themes generated by their teacher. Includes discussion of materials and costs for the activity, children's expectations, parental help, class sessions involved (instructions, taking pictures, developing photographs, sharing…

The sonata form (A-B-A) was used as a model in a lifespan development class to examine experiences and opinions about aging. Ageism was analyzed to illustrate the process of stereotyping and to modify attitudes about aging. (SK)

Creation of many strong connections among areas of the brain (via thematic instruction and cooperative learning techniques) substantially aids memory enhancement. A pleasant, academically oriented school climate can influence the mind's readiness to accept and retain information. Friendly classmates, nice surroundings, gentle colors, cleanliness,…

Offers advice for middle school teachers regarding preparation for next year: collect paper clips, plan ahead, and pamper yourself. (SR)

Describes redesigned thematic units used by a middle-school teacher to make social justice a year-long focus that unified all aspects of her class endeavors. Claims that opening the door to the tenets of social justice expanded the classroom community to include the insight of teachers in a neighboring city, the wisdom of a Holocaust survivor, and…

Details the planning and the specific assignments involved in teaching "Great Expectations" over a period of nine months. Explains how the novel was coordinated with other reading using the themes of Judgment, Influences, and Control. (NH)

Discusses the use of literature clusters (8 to 12 children's books on a particular topic) to enhance learning and instruction. Concludes that the process of developing a literature cluster on intergenerational relationships will result in a cluster that expresses both the participants' experiences and their understanding of the intended audience.…

The authors present an overview of strategic planning, examine its history and mystique, and conclude that planning, if properly implemented, can have a powerful impact on advancing and transforming colleges and universities. (Contains 1 note.)