A program model for gifted preschool children incorporates a differentiated curriculum into an open classroom environment. The Structure of Intellect model serves as the basis for classroom activities (10 examples of which are provided) which stress creative and productive thinking. (CL)

Nine learning activities can prepare elementary school social studies students for group work. The activities teach students how to organize a group, recognize the value of all contributions, and how to take responsibility to contribute, respond to other contributions, listen carefully, encourage contributions, and form a group decision. (KC)

Examines the who, what, where, how, and why of informal drama instruction in the classroom, arguing that, given the current emphasis on "basics" in education, such instruction can provide one of the most basic educational experiences in language arts. (HTH)

A questionnaire (survey sheet) has been developed focusing on some of the factors an architect has to consider in designing a house (site, appearance, suitability, and building maintenance). The use of the questionnaire by students and "spin off" activities are discussed. (Author/JN)

Describes an activity approach (Independence and Elaboration Day, I & E Day) which is intended to help high school social studies students become independent readers and learners by reading social studies material other than textbooks. Suggested materials include newspapers, minutes of political and legislative meetings, and magazines. (DB)

Suggests a technique for use in teaching science students how to gather and analyze statistical data. (FL)

Presents rationale for basing ESL instruction on notions of reality and authenticity by focusing on inadequacy of grammatically-based approaches in teaching appropriate language use and inadequacy of notional/functional syllabus. Real communication is most likely to occur when speaker and hearer are involved, especially when learner has a stake in…

Suggests mathematics readiness activities that teachers and parents can use with preschoolers: comparing shapes and sizes; counting; and learning quantitative concepts such as "less" and "more." (SJL)

Provides a number of nontextbook methods for teaching writing, including the use of films, art, guest speakers, newspaper articles, and student notebooks. (RL)

Presents a variety of tested ideas for getting student writers started. (SJL)

Recommends methods which social studies teachers can use to help students improve their reading skills while studying social studies materials. Specific methods are suggested as aids to paraphrasing, summarizing, predicting, diagramming, identifying unknown words, and varying reading rates. (DB)

Described are techniques used to enliven spelling lessons. Included are confusibles (accept, except), people phrases (Mrs. O'Leary's Cow), words of interesting origins (freelance), and body spelling (handsome, handy). (KC)