Considers how children can use tableau (a still, silent performance that involves three-dimensional representations) to move beyond language in developing new understandings about life and literature. Documents primary students' planning and variations in their interpretations of tableau based on a picture book. Concludes that theatre helps people…

Considers how in the name of imagination, teachers often design activities and assignments that violate the text around which the lesson is focused and that mislead students about its meaning. Argues that imagination for its own sake is not the key to good classroom practice or profound understanding. Suggests that the best communication comes…

Encourages student awareness of the connections between their classroom experiences and real life. Develops an idea to motivate and keep track of students' findings, the "I Spy Vocab Words" contest. Describes how the author implemented the contest. Notes how the program has students keep a log of vocabulary words they find in their everyday lives.…

Considers conversation one of the most useful tools in the author's teacher's toolbox. Features a sample sequence, complete with the handout he uses in class to achieve productive conversations. Outlines conversation guidelines. (SG)

Suggests that by learning how to appropriately use the multiple media that comprise multimedia materials, students can use their strengths to express their thoughts through one media rather than another, and simultaneously spend time working on areas of difficulty. Notes that teachers and teacher educators must think about how they should instruct…

Suggests that drawing allows students time to think, spaces in which to look at the world more deeply, and ways into words. Lists eight ways teachers can encourage students to use drawing in language arts classrooms. (SG)

Discusses the use of lightly controlled games, primarily in classes in game theory. Considers the value of such games from the viewpoint of both teaching and experimentation and discusses context; control; pros and cons of games in teaching; experimental games; and games in class, including cooperative game theory. (Author/LRW)

Discusses using students' graded papers as a "text" to be read and commented upon by other students. Notes that sharing students' papers (and the teacher's comments) (1) reassures the students that they are not the only ones making errors; (2) deepens their understanding of literature; and (3) increases their awareness of writing styles and…

Describes an assignment designed to improve students' oral presentation skills in the context of making a short sales presentation to their peers. Notes that students work hard on the presentation and are rewarded by the reception they receive from their peers. (RS)

Techniques which are designed to dispel fears and promote confident learning are offered to preschool swimming instructors. Safety, class organization, water games, and class activities are discussed. (IAH)

Describes how to teach story mapping to primary-grade students. (MM)

Describes how to make hand puppets, marionettes, and rod puppets, using computer graphics programs in the initial designing stage of the process. Advocates using puppets at nearly any grade level and subject area as a way to integrate literature, writing, and computer technology. (SR)

Presents an approach to teaching John Milton's "Paradise Lost" in conjunction with Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein." Notes that a study of these works stimulates vigorous discussions on theological and moral issues, human nature, and the cultural past and future. (MM)

Selected 23 studies on effectiveness of classroom-based, elementary school affective education programs and evaluated resulting research evidence. Lack of positive significant findings in carefully designed studies provided little support for effectiveness of affective education programs in promoting positive changes on behavioral or affective…

Offers a few examples of introductory activities for the technology student. Results of the unit will be a solid foundation for further study as well as the beginnings of a more technically literate workplace. (JOW)