Asserts that all children can draw, but as children get older, a feeling of inadequacy may surface. Explores different drawings done by children and addresses the benefits of drawing for children. Discusses the author's teaching manuals "Drawing is Basic" that encourage children's confidence in their drawing abilities. (CMK)

Presents an activity with fifth-grade students called "crazy hat portraits" that is the end product of a sequence of lessons. Describes the beginning lessons and lists what the students learn and the time and materials needed for the assignment. (CMK)

The parents of children with visual impairments and the parents of their peers were interviewed to determine their children's mastery of 101 daily living skills. The 10 children with visual impairments performed only 44% of the tasks independently, while the 10 sighted children performed 84% of them independently. (Contains references.) (Author/CR)

Describes software created for improving higher order interpretation skills that focuses on anaphoric resolutions and backward inferences, skills particularly important for developing reading skills in Japanese because of the language's tendency to omit referents if they can be reconstructed from the text. (Author/VWL)

Analyzes preservice teacher education students' perspectives on distance learning and evaluates perceived benefits of online courses. Discusses student perceptions that online courses are not as effective in preparing them to teach, although the majority of students taking online courses find that they meet their academic needs and improve their…

Presents a project in which students used the modeling compound called Sculpey to create miniature creatures called "wee folk". States that the project students were required to learn two new techniques: (1) working in stages; and (2) using round wooden toothpicks as primary tools. (CMK)

Discusses the changes in the University of Connecticut's Proseminar in Latin American and Caribbean Studies graduate course that focused on: (1) interdisciplinary faculty participation; (2) a workshop model emphasizing development of fundamental skills; and (3) training in the use of research resources. Evaluates the course and highlights areas…

Investigates the development of teacher-intern's oral questioning skills during their 16 week practicum. Finds that although the interns' initial skill-level of oral questioning was relatively high, they developed their expertise in six basic oral questioning skills throughout the practicum. Describes the benefits of using a supervisory approach…

This project was designed to determine whether a training program created specifically for unemployed Native Americans could significantly increase job knowledge levels and improve the graduates' ability to find, get, and maintain a job. The program combined interpersonal and employment-related skills. Findings indicated improvement for pre- to…

Describes a second-grade art activity called "The Name Game" in which the students create letter people around the letters of their names. Helps teachers and students get acquainted at the beginning of a new year. Explains that students review old art concepts while simultaneously learning new ones. Provides directions, diagrams, and specifies…

Describes different methods for instilling musical leadership in students from the beginning of their music instruction, such as peer example or cooperative-learning strategies. Explains that student confidence is undermined by the belief that leadership is a personality characteristic, but students are reassured when they understand it as a set…

Maintains that the works of Grazyna Bacewicz foster musical growth and appreciation, increase students' technical skills, and expand their cultural horizons by acquainting students with the traditions of Poland. Explains that her compositions can be adapted to many different teaching approaches and tailored for students of all ages. (CMK)

Sports participation can help young people appreciate health, exercise, and fitness; learn about themselves and handling adversity; and experience teamwork and sportsmanship. The key to a good high-school sports program is not winning, but student improvement. Athletic participation and achievement should not determine kids' social status. (MLH)

Changes in safety knowledge and skills and self-esteem of 339 Irish children (ages 7-10) who participated in the Stay Safe Programme were compared with those of 388 controls. Trained children showed significant improvements in safety knowledge and skills and these gains were maintained at 5 month follow-up. (Author/CR)

Maintains that students who decide to become music majors must realize that they have to grapple with music theory, music history, applied studio study, and keyboard skills in order to succeed in a university music program. Provides recommended experiences for high school students and guidelines for successful completion of music programs. (CMK)