Suggests a pattern for planning a field trip that will develop reading skills, vocabulary, knowledge and, above all, interest in the subject. (RB)

Describes a one or two night camping trip for fifth graders that is part of the Madison, Wisconsin forest program, created to give students a concentrated study of nature and provide the experiences of group living. (RB)

Author has found that zeroing in on a particular tree can lead to expanding a child's interest concerning trees everywhere. (RB)

Can magazine or newspaper pictures be used as effectively as cartoons to motivate pupils to write? Author answered that question from a reader in an extension of his January article in this journal. (Editor/RK)

There are three basic reasons why a teacher's directions aren't followed. A followed direction is usually the result of two steps: thorough, systematic planning and careful implementation. (Author)

Presents expert advice on how to write effective tests and offers suggestions for teaching children how to take tests. (JMB)

Author describes ways to give students planned art experiences. (MB)

Here are 15 reading games you can adapt to any level, complete with easy-to-copy illustrations. Make them sturdy the first around--they'll get used and used! (Editor/RK)

Believes that the variety and availability of insects offers great opportunity for elementary school children to engage in exciting investigations that help in developing learning skills as well as independent creative thinking. Suggests teaching strategies and investigation ideas. (RB)

Elementary school science should help students learn to think like scientists--to ask questions, form theories, test hypotheses, observe results, and draw conclusions. This article provides a brief review of several specific guidelines for teaching elementary school science. (IAH)

Results of research based on observations of four- and five-year-olds indicate that in pretend play, children acted more mature, played together more, and were more social than in nonpretend settings. Suggestions are offered for classroom activities, for preschool through middle school, that incorporate pretend play. (IAH)

Describes a program that gives the child a chance to assess himself and his future potential by recognizing and developing his own special abilities, needs, and interests through manipulative experiences. (Author)

Described are numerous activities designed to make students aware of their consumer identities, and to help them evaluate some of the products and services that are available in the marketplace. For each activity, objectives, materials, and discussion questions are included. (KC)

Article presented some simple suggestions for helping a hearing-impaired child in the classroom and focused on a new technique, oralism, for educating the deaf. (Author/RK)

This special report includes ideas and activities for improving elementary math education. Three sections present 12 ways to become a better math teacher, 3 activities from Marilyn Burns (a crusader for improved math instruction), and a profile of teachers who found innovative ways to link math to the classroom curriculum. (SM)