What happens when children come across texts that push the boundaries of what they expect to encounter when they pick up a picture book? There exists a genre of nontraditional picture books, commonly referred to as "postmodern picture books," which is characterized by a variety of alternative literary and illustrative devices. Given that…

A satirical view of thematic teaching. (JH)

Students enrolled in composition classes may provide the answer to the dilemma of coming up with a writing topic: work--the "four letter word." Most, if not all, students have already become part of the labor force. The theme of "work" is naturally successful because it centers around a topic students know well, something that…

Part of the larger Informal Education Series, this publication brings together many of the materials prepared by Rosanne Kessens for teachers and parents involved in Follow Through settings. Contents first explore theme development as an integrated approach to learning and then describe strategies for planning themes. Subsequent materials offer…

The Goshen College International Literature course is organized around the coming-of-age theme. (JH)

Suggestions are made for using traditional Halloween activities, such as jack-o'-lantern carving, bobbing for apples, and trick-or-treating, for classroom learning. (SJL)

The author describes a Pennsylvania State University seminar on the modern international Olympic movement and includes bibliographies for several sections of the course. (GW)

Use of the Olympics as a teaching and motivational tool by teachers and coaches can be a catalyst to student learning. Ideas for science projects, instruction in sport technique, a mini-Olympics, career choice information, health and nutrition education, and many other activities are suggested. (MT)

Uses a thematic approach to explore the therapeutic norm, the confrontation communication, and the nature of commitment in a small contemporary commune. Focuses on the behavior of prominent individuals. (MS)

The establishment of distinct disciplines within the social sciences was clearly a benefit in the development of knowledge and of differential approaches and conceptualizations. The discarding of those disciplines would be regressive and the promotion of interaction between disciplines will facilitate the growth of knowledge. (JB)

In response to an article by John Goodlad in this issue, the author describes an unconventional program in his own school and recommends examining such successful programs as well as our educational failures. (JM)

The author suggests ocean life as a motivating theme for the elementary art curriculum. (SJL)

Suggests 21 ways that Mother Goose rhymes may be used to enliven lessons in all elementary subject areas. (SJL)