On the basis of her experience with brain damaged and autistic children, a teacher suggests guidelines for structuring tasks, the learning environment, and student behavior to facilitate learning. (GW)

Six drills are presented to enhance aural sensitivity in students who may have only minimal knowledge of music theory. The exercises require little preclass preparation and none takes longer than five minutes. Drills cover scales, pitch and rhythm memory, pitch patterns, and corrective listening with pitch patterns and melodies. (SJL)

Describes planning, implementation, and evaluation of an instructional unit that uses a direct instruction approach to teach the basics of American Sign Language to elementary-age students with serious emotional or behavior disorders. Figures list lesson topics and instructional objectives, provide a sample lesson plan and a story suitable for…

Suggests that veteran teachers should befriend new teachers, teaching and learning from them; move the classroom furniture around whenever possible; read what the students are reading; and beg, borrow, or steal new ideas from other teachers. (TB)

Introduces exercises on histograms and frequency density. Guides pupils to Discovering Important Statistical Concepts Using Spreadsheets (DISCUSS), created at the University of Coventry. Includes curriculum points, teaching tips, activities, and internet address (http://www.coventry.ac.uk/discuss/). (KHR)

Describes a lesson plan that instructs third graders to use graphs. Explains learning objectives, motivating students, conducting a class activity that includes graph construction, and concluding and evaluating the lesson. Lists materials needed. (GG)

Provides a classroom exercise, known as Synergistic Convergence (SYNCON), in which students are divided into small groups, and then into successively larger groups, until the entire class is involved in one problem. Asks students to develop a list of five heroes and five villains in history. Generates insights into the nature of historical…

Presents three physical geography lessons for teachers who may lack either formal training or resource materials in physical geography. The lessons are in response to the new Utah state requirements for junior high schools. Overviews each lesson, suggests activities, and lists materials needed each day. (KO)

Provides a lesson plan for teaching K-three students to analyze and empathize with a portrait by post-impressionist painter Vincent van Gogh. Describes background of the artist and the painting "The Postman Roulin." Suggests instructional strategies, activities, and evaluation methods. Lists bibliographical material relative to van…

This article discusses the metacognitive approach of mediated learning theory and its application to orientation and mobility (O&M) instruction for individuals with visual impairments. The theory is explained, and the structure of a typical O&M lesson is outlined, followed by an example of using the approach in a trip to the drug store. (DB)

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…

Argues against the forced use of generic lesson design in science instruction. Asserts that teaching modules are popular among administrators because they seem to provide accountability. However, modules often promote traditional ideas in teaching, and administrators seldom investigate claims of programs. Critiques research cited by the Hunter…

Integrates science and social studies in several activities that study weathering caused by the freezing and thawing of rocks, wind erosion, and the effects of weathering on tombstones. Cites the possibility of these activities leading to an interdisciplinary exploration of pollution, customs, and populations. (MCO)

Describes how issues of war and peace might be taught in the elementary language arts classroom. Explores ways of broaching the issues and selecting proper texts. Considers the reasons for wanting to teach such explosive issues to younger students. Provides two annotated bibliographies (with suggested class activities) regarding these materials.…