Seven schools show how to turn a challenge into an opportunity. Examples of how these schools work with the community to develop effective and motivating programs to meet student needs are presented. (DF)

Presents tips, activities, and exercises to help elementary teachers and students select, learn, and tell their stories. Storytelling can build confidence and poise, improve expressive language skills, stimulate inventive thinking, build listening skills, and develop appreciation of other cultures. (SM)

Describes Louisiana's "Every Day Counts" program which helps boost elementary students' math skills via daily 10-minute activities with their bulletin board. The school calendar is used to explore patterns, examine data, and make predictions. Children work with place value, measurement, time, money, mental math, geometry, estimation,…

Suggests ways for teachers to help elementary school children connect with history by enhancing their natural interest in stories. The approaches, adaptable to any age and topic, include using children's literature, acting, and storytelling. Stories of the past provide a base upon which children build larger ideas about history. (SM)