Engaging students to learn through play is not a new idea, and, based on how many animals learn that way, the connection is probably instinctual. For some educators, however, this concept is a radical notion that threatens to topple the wall that they have carefully constructed to separate work and play. Just as some media specialists, teachers,…

Based on his personal experience as vice principal of Fuller Middle School and a former school librarian, and participating in a school-wide initiative that focuses on strengthening students' math skills, the author of this article provides suggestions of various ways librarians can integrate math skills into their library lessons. Math is…

Since archaeology is a branch of science that interests so many kids, Alice Robinson based a 10-week lesson for her sixth grade class on the subject. First, she prominently displayed archaeology books in the library, including Ancient Times by Guy Austrian and Archaeology for Kids by Richard Panchyk. After explaining the definition of archaeology…

Examines conflicting perspectives on the use of values clarification as a teaching method or as part of a curriculum for elementary and secondary levels. Implications for school libraries on issues such as materials selection and censorship by a school board are discussed. (BK)

"Do you blog?" That's a question educators are hearing frequently these days, and more and more are responding with an enthusiastic "yes!" The reason? Teachers have discovered that technologies like weblogs--Web sites that are a snap to update--can be powerful teaching tools. And librarians are gearing up to help them. The educational community's…

Discusses the importance of Boolean searching as a skill that students will need in the future. Methods for teaching Boolean searching are described, and the value of truncation as an online searching aid is considered. (MES)

Discussion of the role of the media specialist as a teacher summarizes 10 major elements of the inquiry approach to teaching and learning and seven areas of the school media center's commitment (networking, flexibility, cooperation, concentration, financing, community, and encouragement). Discovery learning research and program implementation are…

Presents techniques that in the author's experience have helped middle-school students produce better, more original work. Alternative formats to the traditional report project, clear assignment criteria, a grading rubric, and instruction in visual communication are all valuable. A model with which teachers can reduce plagiarism and promote…

Describes a pilot program at Briar Glen School in Glen Ellyn, Illinois, in which academically gifted fifth grade students are introduced to microcomputers, taught basic programing skills, and allowed to develop computer programs in BASIC after they have mastered some fundamental computer skills. (JL)

Summarizes the findings of studies that indicate serious deficiencies in the reading, writing, and basic information skills of American students. Possible causes are discussed including the lack of effectiveness of teaching methods and instructional materials. It is argued that the school library offers the best hope for creating a culturally…

Illustrates through examples how elementary and secondary students can be motivated to enjoy books by making a connection to reading through listening to audiobooks. Sidebars include comments from fifth-grade English-as-a-Second-Language students about audiobooks, selection/usage tips for librarians, and a list of selected audiobook publishers.…