This article suggests self-evaluative techniques for teachers. (PD)

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)

A teacher encourages other teachers to look beyond rigid, locked-in, over-organized instructional approaches by pointing out the advantages of creativity, risk-taking, and flexibility in classroom teaching. (CB)

This humorous blueprint, for apprentice and master teachers alike, discusses the essential implements of the craft: the chalk, the chalk eraser, the marking pencil, the wastepaper basket, and more. (JN)

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.…

Practical classroom management techniques are offered for secondary school teachers' daily use. (MJB)

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…

The beginning of the school year is an excellent time for teachers to reevaluate their curriculum and think about what children really need to know. Suggestions for developing innovative and creative teaching techniques in language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies are discussed. (DF)