Two authors discuss the allocation of classroom instructional and noninstructional time and suggest ways that an elementary teacher can increase students' engaged time and his/her own productivity as a teacher. (Author/SJL)

Presents ideas for creating a purposeful classroom environment that will help students become strategic readers. Suggestions include using the conference table to learn about students as readers, organizing books to help children make wise choices, and creating a meeting area that invites discussion. (SM)

Over 30 activities for elementary school classes during the first week of school are described. Ideas are included for a first day checklist, correct pronunciation of names, getting acquainted games, and classroom organization hints. (CJ)

Author uses horror films and record albums to interest students in cooperative activities and the use of their own freedom. (RK)

Summarizes the responses of more than 10,000 teachers on the issues of testing and licensing, unionism, professional image, classroom practices, discipline, teacher education, and the federal government's role in education. Notes findings on respondents' demographic characteristics, salaries, and working hours. (SJL)

Presents tips to teachers on preserving their enthusiasm, organizing their time, maintaining class control, boosting school morale, and maintaining public support. (Editor/SJL)

Offers three simple strategies for storing and managing hands-on learning materials in the classroom. The strategies include a checklist of storage solutions for the materials, a description of creative hands-on learning centers, and a list of strategies for managing students' use of hands-on materials. (SM)

Included are 13 enrichment activities for gifted elementary school students in the subjects of mathematics, classroom seating arrangements, logic, language arts, and science. (CJ)

Two articles present suggestions for enhancing classroom management in creative ways. The first article describes how to use flexible seating arrangements to encourage cooperation, friendship, and community. The second article discusses how to encourage and work with classroom volunteers from the community. (SM)

Outlines the views of three scholars on cooperative learning: cooperation in content areas (team-assisted individualization and cooperative integrated reading and composition); grading techniques (e.g., individual score plus group bonus points, group scores, and scoring only one member's paper); and structuring social interaction (round robin,…