Describes the work of the Interrelated Arts Program (IAP) in Montgomery County, Maryland, whose multiethnic staff of 18 arts teachers provides varied teaching activities in the schools, many incorporating multicultural education. Offers a sample lesson plan on proverbs, and lists four multiethnic stories for which detailed lesson plans are…

Presents a list of books designed to stimulate thought and lively discussion on feelings and emotions that concern children most. The article offers suggestions on how teachers should use the books in class. (SM)

The quality gap between education products and commercial entertainment has narrowed greatly, thanks to improvements in computer technologies and software. However, as Neil Postman suggests, the printed word is far from passe. If children are educated to understand words and ideas, they can make discriminating choices in the chaotic realm of the…

An eighth grade English teacher in Great Neck (New York) integrated six LEP foreign students into her classroom by using a team approach for the memorization and recitation of the Gettysburg Address. The foreign students were enthusiastically coached by their peers; all profited from studying the language of the address. (DM)

Presents a classroom exercise that can help students focus on the difficulties in defining normal sexual behavior. Provides a 30-item questionnaire on which students indicate whether or not a variety of behaviors are normal. States that students then meet in groups and construct a definition of "normal" sexual behavior. (DB)

This article outlines an eight-week program exploring archaeology in the elementary school classroom. "Relics" from the author's grandmother's attic and contemporary "prepared" garbage bags were studied for insight into the past and processes involved in archeological digs. Famous digs were studied, experts visited the class, and games simulated…

Presents a brief overview of Gestalt theory. Discusses and illustrates six key principles of Gestalt psychology as they apply to document design and graphics. Presents exercise that students may use to improve their understanding of the principles and develop their document design skills. Distinguishes between Gestalt theory and rhetoric. (RS)

Describes a science project about growing seeds for which kindergarten students reported their results both by printing and by making a video. (SR)

Describes an activity used with a fifth-grade mathematics class in which students solved a problem and wrote a convincing argument to prove their solution made sense. (SR)

Proposes four subcategories of alphabet books for use in upper elementary classrooms: enumerative, juxtapositional, narrative, and artistic. Characteristics of each type are described that encourage different kinds of reader involvement and examples of classroom uses and strategies are suggested for specific titles. (LRW)

Considers the relationship between drama and writing. Presents a conversation between two scholars interested in this connection in which they describe various views of the relationship. Suggests classroom activities linking drama and writing. (HB)

Provides an outline for a careful simulation of classroom discussion, intended as both a functional oral language experience and a means of teaching the discussion process. (SR)

Describes how a class of fourth graders effectively used their reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills to take action (regarding the laws governing trophy hunting) and to change a piece of their world. (SR)

Describes a cooperative learning activity in a fifth-grade class in which students researched, wrote, and sponsored classroom resolutions honoring African Americans during Black History Month. Discusses how literacy has the power to connect students with their heritage or with any heritage they choose to connect with. (SR)

Presents hands-on activities to help teach elementary students map skills during Geography Awareness Week. The map skills are made fun by being incorporated into meaningful activities like learning about global resources, tracking the progress of sports teams, and conducting climate experiments in faraway places. (SM)