Presented is a teaching unit which acquaints students with the once-in-a-decade U.S. census. Included are ideas for activities which demonstrate how the census is crucial to the workings of a democracy. (KC)

Argues that all students are gifted in different ways, and proposes that instruction should focus on fostering gifted behaviors rather than on "gifted" students. Defines gifted behaviors that should be fostered and presents a program by which they can be achieved. (HB)

Includes descriptions of a fact-finding exercise using classmates' wallets; a crossword puzzle to heighten language awareness; and a description of a program which teaches students to analyze current events and issues in light of history. (HTH)

Presented is a journalism primer, with activities designed to get elementary school students involved in all journalistic processes--observing, interviewing, recording, planning, and writing the final product. Journalism terms are defined. (KC)

Explores the appeal of historical fiction for young readers and describes its place within any school curriculum. Describes a project in Dorset Middle Schools which used historical fiction to teach medieval history and English. Notes that students' historical thinking was improved, their knowledge of medieval world advanced, and their writing was…

Describes the work of the Interrelated Arts Program (IAP) in Montgomery County, Maryland, whose multiethnic staff of 18 arts teachers provides varied teaching activities in the schools, many incorporating multicultural education. Offers a sample lesson plan on proverbs, and lists four multiethnic stories for which detailed lesson plans are…

High school U.S. history students in New Jersey simulate city planning and construction. Students allocate available natural resources, designate population size, building types and locations, governmental structure, and future growth plans, and construct a scale model of their imaginary city. (AM)

Describes a cross-age literacy program involving first- and fourth-grade students. Discusses tutorial activities, subject-matter acquisition activities, reading and creative dramatics activities, and writing and book making activities. Notes that the motivation, enthusiasm, and practice the program provided was more than expected. (RS)

"Let's Celebrate Uniqueness" is a one-semester whole class program designed for fourth to seventh grade gifted and non-gifted students. Specific activities are suggested for the four program steps: (1) understanding the concept of uniqueness, (2) recognition of uniqueness of self, (3) recognition of uniqueness of others, (4) and valuing uniqueness…

Examines acquisition of proprietary vocabulary (a collection of words over which the owner has mastery of understanding in listening and reading and mastery of use in speaking and writing). Describes a thematic approach to vocabulary development, and teachers' use of creative experiences to enhance acquisition of proprietary vocabulary. (RS)

Describes "Theatre Sports," a type of improvisational theater that actively involves the audience. Presents a beginning workshop that explains the basic skills of improvisation (group cohesion and trust, movement, pantomime, spontaneity, offers and blocking, characterization and status, narrative, and endowment) and explains how to play…

This course for middle and high school teachers uses video, online text, classroom activities, and Web-based activities to explore American history from the Pre-Columbian era through Reconstruction. The video programs are divided into three segments: (1) "Historical Perspectives," an overview of the historical era; (2) "Faces of America," in which…

This document presents materials related to the Framework for Aesthetic Literacy, which provides a model for integrating the study of the arts and English/language arts in kindergarten through high school. The instructional guide included in the document describes the philosophy, purposes, and curriculum design of the framework, suggests ways the…

This publication provides detailed information for teachers on 56 instructional radio broadcast offerings for South Carolina schools. In the table of contents, grade levels are suggested for each program. The guide then summarizes each program lesson briefly and suggests classroom activities related to the radio lesson. For some programs,…

Describes a project, carried out jointly between a business communication class and a local chamber of commerce, that brings students into partnership with international merchants in the local community. (SR)