Kids Development Corporation is a simulation of economic life appropriate for gifted students in grades 4-11, in which students form a corporation; purchase land; learn about building construction, banking, and investing; create a logo; and develop a community. This article describes the program's goals and objectives, schedule of activities, and…

Uses the concept of "community as story" to evaluate community solidarity. Presents the stories of three communities in terms of origin, characters, events, and theme. By constructing their stories, communities can inspire new adventures and create a future which is as real as the perceived past. (KS)

A Chapter 1 school motivated students using technology and the arts. A partnership with the Pennsylvania Academy of the Arts helped students develop cognitive and creative skills while working in concrete ways. Using computers, each class chose an artist, developed a class museum, and exhibited at the student-staffed museum. (SM)

As middle school educators refine interdisciplinary teaming, numerous challenges have emerged, notably the development of interdisciplinary units and personality-compatible teams, design of instruction to challenge honor students while motivating low achievers, and integration of subject areas into thematic topics. As the New Kids pilot project…

Describes how a 16-year-old African-American male, Tyrone, excelled in a mental-health day-treatment facility in which he was enrolled. Tyrone used the skills taught within the replacement-skills curriculum at the facility to compose a rap song that reminded him and his classmates how to react when faced with a difficult situation. (MKA)

The celebration of an annual event turned into a 5-week project on medieval life for a kindergarten class. Children were active participants in the planning and execution of the project in which they created a medieval kingdom. A variety of activities enabled the children to further develop skills and expand their knowledge of the topic. (TJQ)

Describes how a quilting theme can provide an inclusive, engaging experience for children that also strengthens literacy, communicative, cognitive, and problem-solving skills and encourages family involvement. Outlines the phases of a quilting project, lists related classroom activities for both preschool and primary classrooms, and offers…

Believes that encouraging middle school students to explore the idea of a hero enables them to understand themselves and the world in which they live. Discusses reasons for teaching about heroes in the classroom. Describes a study unit on heroes that is student-centered, ongoing and inquiry-based, and incorporates a thematic base and literature.…

Discusses the merits of implementing a character education curriculum through teaching literature according to themes. Argues that a reflective approach, emphasizing students' engagement with the issues and the resolutions they come up with for considering moral dilemmas, will be more effective than a didactic approach. Describes a unit on…

Suggests that middle school literature circles using novels based around a common theme can change the classroom climate to be more supportive toward taking greater academic risks. Notes that students were offered a choice of book, homework pace, and group roles. (RS)

Matches a number of famous musical compositions with literary works that can be paired for interdisciplinary lessons. Lists musical and literary works appropriate for grades 1-12 ("Samson et Delilah" by Camille Saint-Saens and readings from the Book of Judges for grade seven). Includes a list of video resources. (MJP)

Describes a 4-year teacher action research project focused on whether student dialogue journals can provide documentation of student learning from a cultural unit taught in Spanish. Results are discussed. (Author/VWL)

Argues that units on regular subjects should be taught in the German language classroom. Outlines a three-week thematic unit for a high school German class on German for business and economics. Notes resources for German language teaching materials, and ideas for interdisciplinary collaboration among high school teachers. (SR)

Defines thematic teaching, also known as interdisciplinary or authentic instruction, as representing cross-disciplinary programs which integrate cognitive, affective, and psychomotor outcomes. Highlights include integrating thematic teaching into elementary school classrooms, cognitive and social learning theories, motivation, cooperative…

At one urban family service agency, staff members have drawn a vital connection between community and literacy. Explains how this literacy program evolved from a basic tutoring opportunity into a curriculum using themes and information gleaned from the young participants' immediate community surroundings. Describes the program's history,…