Making is a dynamic and hands-on learning experience that directly connects with long-established theories of how learning occurs. Although it hasn't been a focus of traditional education or had a prominent place in the classroom, teachers find it an accessible, exciting option for their students. The maker movement brings together diverse…

Improvisation-based exercises may be the key to unlocking students' innate musical creativities. This article focuses on two exercises--drone improvisation and circle stringing--that can be easily integrated into the orchestra curriculum and adapted to the learning needs of the individual student, small-ensemble, and large-ensemble settings. Of…

Today, schools are introducing STEM education and robotics to children in ever-lower grades. In "Beyond Coding," Marina Umaschi Bers lays out a pedagogical roadmap for teaching code that encompasses the cultivation of character along with technical knowledge and skills. Presenting code as a universal language, she shows how children…

Art educators are concerned with exposing their students to contemporary art making practices. They aim to create fresh lessons that expand their understandings of art in today's world while highlighting the importance of imagination. With a personal interest in performance and street art (art forms that have gained popularity in recent years),…

This article invites teachers to let their students' imaginations soar as they become part of a team that will design a whole new kind of living technological museum, a facility that celebrates the world of infrastructure. In this activity, a new two-story building will be built, occupying a vacant corner parcel of land, approximately 150…

Now in a fully revised and extended second edition, "How to Teach Poetry Writing: Workshops for Ages 8-13" is a practical and activity based resource of writing workshops to help you teach poetry in the primary classroom. Designed to help build writing, speaking and listening skills, this book contains a wide selection of workshops exemplifying a…

Presents two exercises that offer some ways to read anything creatively. Explains that, in "page skips," a page is read and then pages are flipped randomly to continue reading; and in "reading the blank page," a bound volume of blank pages is "read" starting at the top center of the first page (where a title would…

Offering students opportunities for creating movement sequences in gymnastics allows them to understand the essence of gymnastics, have creative experiences, and learn about themselves. The process of creating sequences is described. (MT)

The booklet describes ways in which puppetry can promote growth in special and regular education students. Current usage is traced in four categories: puppetry as a demonstrative teaching tool, as an approach to help develop language and communication skills, as a therapeutic tool, and as a form of theater and school arts. Guidelines are presented…

Describes draw-on filmmaking as an exciting way to introduce children to the plastic, fluid nature of the film medium, to develop their appreciation and understanding of divergent cinematic techniques and themes, and to invite them into the dream world of filmmaking without the need for a camera. (AEA)

Offered are suggestions to teachers for introducing improvisation into the classroom. Improvisational activities include movement, vocal, and related arts projects. (KC)

Explains the value of using movies to teach students some acting principles. Analyzes two recent films, "Crimson Tide" and "The Bridges of Madison County," and develops some acting exercises based on the two movies. Describes some of the differences and similarities between film and theater. Argues that Alfred Hitchcock's…

Teachers of foreign language can use B. Bloom's taxonomy to present challenges to gifted students while still ensuring understanding of the basics. Basic skills would be followed by exploration in application, analysis, synthesis, and evaluation. Examples of activities in each of the four areas are presented. (CL)

Advocates incorporating humor in the classroom (as a means of assessing students' learning and understanding) by deliberately establishing a classroom environment conducive to original expression and risk-taking, and by the juxtaposition of curriculum material. (SR)

Gives instructions for a theater exercise that involves a student lip-synching to a song. Cautions that the presentation must be balanced equally, with attention paid to both realism in the actual lip-synching, and to how the performer gives meaning to the song. States that students generally should not try to emulate well-known performers. (PA)