A weekly plan is presented for teachers as an alternative to the more traditional spelling list and instructional techniques. Each student has an individualized spelling list featuring frequently misspelled words and content area vocabulary. Activities are designed to increase student confidence in spelling. (CB)

This article identifies two approaches to teaching specific thinking skills, presents a sample lesson plan, and includes as an example a "Thinking Skills Worksheet" that outlines an approach to teaching the thinking skills of comparing and contrasting. (IAH)

This article proposes a system for developing lesson plans which accommodate differences in student learning styles without jeopardizing the pace of learning. Four teaching styles (direct teaching, practice, reflection, application) are identified, and activities that work well with these styles are suggested. A sample lesson plan is included.…

Teachers can help students realize that their own experiences provide good material for fascinating characters and stories, thus making narrative writing easier. One good way to help students recognize the power of daily events is to read to them from realistic children's literature. The article presents a model lesson. (SM)

Presents ideas to help elementary school educators teach their students about magnetic force fields by observing how iron filings line up around magnets. The article lists materials needed and offers a student page with suggested student activities. (SM)

This article describes how to combine painting and poetry by studying famous paintings and poetry of recognized artists from both media. It covers how to design a project, discussing pictures and poems, and giving children a chance to create their own art. A sidebar lists artists and poets that work well together. Includes extension activities.…

Presents ideas for getting the most out of an elementary school trip to the zoo. The article offers before, during, and after lesson plans which touch on biology (the life cycle), geography (continents and regions of the world), conservation (endangered species), ecology (natural communities), and career guidance (zoo jobs). (SM)

This article encourages teachers to know the ways their individual students learn best and to integrate those strategies into teaching. Covers identifying how students learn, building new ways of learning, creating lifelong learners, assessment, a sample lesson, using technology (lists seven suggested computer software programs), and names and…