When an elementary school's most disruptive students were invited to write an advice column about school-related and personal problems, the students were not only genuinely helpful, but also felt better about themselves and began to solve their own problems. (CB)

Strategies in conflict resolution are suggested for reducing bickering and fighting in the elementary classroom. Strategies include sharpening perceptions, fair fighting techniques, direct communication, and mediation. (JD)

A teacher recounts how she dealt with a new student who was prone to tears and her peers who liked to evoke them. After discovering that the child had family problems, the teacher selected a group of peers to befriend her. (CB)

One of the best tools for sharpening students' problem solving skills can be found in the mystery story, which calls for logical thinking, paying attention to detail, and distinguishing between facts and assumptions. Activities that can help to develop problem solving skills are described along with several references to mystery magazines and…

Most teachers who try to deduct expenses for educational trips lose their deductions, because the Internal Revenue Service or the United States Tax Court disallows them. Teachers must meet a number of conditions to validate such trips. Guidelines based on a recent court case are given. (PP)

Examples are given of how spontaneous discussions of school and home problems enabled fourth grade children to seek solutions to difficulties in an open and cooperative way. (JD)

Use of a checkbook can hook even the most reluctant mathematics students into learning mathematical and problem-solving skills. (CB)

Providing students with realistic problems will facilitate a better understanding of and reason for computation. Specific suggestions for introducing and for increasing problem-solving skills are described. (CJ)

A teacher describes how she managed to turn one student's disruptive behavior into an opportunity for all students to learn about conflict resolution. (JL)

A variety of techniques for incorporating writing--the writing of letters, the keeping of logs, the devising of word problems--into the mathematics curriculum are discussed. The benefits from using an integrated approach are indicated. (DG)

An increasing number of children live in single-parent homes due to the rise in the divorce rate. Teachers must become aware of teaching and counseling approaches which will offset the negative effects of divorce on children and minimize the period of adjustment. (JN)

The parent of a child who suffered from a developmental disability tells of problems with the kindergarten teacher concerning the child's placement and evaluation. Parents can provide valuable information about their children--if only teachers will listen. (PP)

Thirty-five outstanding educational programs were identified by a panel composed of educators, parents, and students. Computer programs are listed in the areas of reading and language arts, mathematics, general problem solving, science, social studies, creative arts, foreign languages, and computer literacy. (PP)

Issues teachers should consider before introducing the subject of nuclear arms into classroom teaching are raised, and tips for dealing with this sensitive subject are given. Sources of curriculum materials are listed, and problems with prepackaged curricula are pointed out. (PP)

A City Building Education System uses the process of city planning to teach basic reading, writing, and math skills to children from kindergarten through junior high school and to stimulate creative thinking and problem solving abilities. (JMF)