Presents crafts projects to accompany the discussion of African tribes and their ceremonial items. The article describes how to create a ceremonial mask, ceremonial shield, goodbye cloth, and necklace. Background information is included for each item. (SM)

This article describes how to improve students' notetaking skills by having them pretend they are journalists wiring in a story. Students must pare down information to the essentials and calculate telegram costs. Sample exercises and a reproducible page are provided. (JL)

Two Chinese-American educators who separately toured China report on teaching practices in that country. (Editors/JA)

Newspapers can help teach elementary students map skills. Students read the newspaper, make cards from newspaper maps, learn about various countries, and do reality-based creative writing. Students can continue to use the maps throughout the year to answer geography questions and stay up-to-date on current events. (SM)

Children develop enthusiasm for learning about the states when they become "tour directors." Activities to help students learn about various states and then convince others to "visit" these places are offered. (DF)

A study of family history is suggested as a catalyst for motivating middle grade students and for effecting learning simultaneously. Numerous activities for adding interest and for expanding learning opportunities are offered. (DG)

This article describes classroom activities, such as role playing, which provide students with practice in coping with a variety of police, medical, and fire emergencies. (IAH)

Presents activities to help elementary students celebrate women's history month by learning about women's struggles and achievements throughout history, changes in women's roles, and the difference one person can make. Activities let students use writing, drawing, critical thinking, listening, speaking, and research skills. A student fact-page is…

Computers may help students delve farther into social studies research topics. The role of the computer in database management is explored in this article. (DF)

The wealth of language and lore about frogs can be used to enrich learning in language arts, science, social studies, and the arts, as well as to investigate values and develop thinking skills. Activities are suggested and a list of appropriate books is provided. (MT)

A fourth grade teacher commemorated Black History Month with a study of African culture and geography. Students were assigned to make a chosen African country come alive through an oral presentation. Finger puppets, which students outfitted in traditional tribal attire, were used to enhance the project. (SM)

Describes a multicultural unit for elementary students. Children select a folk art or craft and become experts, learn the craft, research the craft, pass the craft on, and review their discoveries. The unit culminates in a folk arts festival at which students demonstrate their craft to classmates, teachers, and guests. (SM)

Background information, learning activities, and educational resources for a lesson unit on food additives is provided. Advantages and disadvantages of additives are discussed. (PP)

A teaching kit on coal as an energy source provides background information, ideas for activities, and educational resources needed to start a class project on this contemporary issue. Information about coal, coal mining, electricity production, and environmental-versus-consumer needs is provided. (PP)

Workshop Way is a classroom management system that keeps students of varying abilities busy, creating an ordered plan of work that helps students organize themselves and feel confident. Workshop Way fosters independent work by posting a series of headings across a bulletin board with specific, brief assignments under each heading. (SM)