This is the third in a series of four reading books written in Spanish and designed for use in elementary bilingual education programs. The reader contains nine stories, most of which deal with some aspect of nature study, such as plants or insects. Each story is followed by a list of new vocabulary and enrichment exercises and activities in the…

If a toy is classed as "educational," some demonstrable educational outcome ought to result from playing with it. Formerly, games and toys designated as "educational" were often strategies for painlessly imparting school subjects to children. Today, "developmental skills" or "readiness experiences" are typical objectives of many of the toys on the…

The authors describe a series of magic tricks based on computation which they use in elementary and secondary school mathematics classes to motivate and challenge students. (SD)

Class activity ideas presented include: the use of world records to teach superlatives; a unit on a new French city; storywriting; and creation of crossword puzzles to teach vocabulary and test comprehension. (MSE)

Reviews the benefits and hazards that the sun provides. Describes activities which focus on the power of the sun and on the development of "Sun-sensible" behavior. Also included is a poster which contains puzzles and additional information and activities on safe sunning. (ML)

Develops a classification scheme for mathematical problem-solving activities. Presents problems generated in solid and plane geometry and fractions. (JM)

Two activities that provide motivation for drill problem-solving work are described. Solutions to problems are associated with coded letter puzzles which provide instant feedback as well as motivational interest. (JP)

Geometry should be a frequent and familiar part of the elementary school mathematics curriculum. Exercises to help children master basic terminology and visualize shapes and geometric relationships are described. They range from a "shape bag," which teaches simple identification of figures, to more complex activities involving polyominoes and…

Included are 13 enrichment activities for gifted elementary school students in the subjects of mathematics, classroom seating arrangements, logic, language arts, and science. (CJ)

Notes that Montessori classrooms provide children with the opportunity to explore and discover mathematics. Describes the introduction to Pascal's Triangle as a suggested opportunity to connect young children to deep mathematical truths. Provides teachers with materials requirements, and notes ideas on what can be acquired from the problem, the…

Presents useful tips for improving classroom learning. These include inviting native- and nonnative-English-speaking students to engage in world building while improving their language and cultural knowledge; highly motivated conversational activities; students' revision of their oral presentations; having students record classroom activities; and…

Describes an art project in which cooperative learning groups created a ceramic slab puzzle. Students worked together on the overall design of the puzzle, though each piece was designed individually. The need to maintain accurate fitting of puzzle pieces as they dried encouraged positive behavior changes in most students. (LS)

Presents five puzzles in the shape of stars that contain scrambled letters and clues to help define computer terms and improve computer literacy. Use of the puzzles by students and adults in the computer labs of library media centers is discussed. Answers to the puzzles are also provided. (LRW)

Described are the variations found between the western and African versions of the same logic puzzle. It is demonstrated that mathematical ideas are of concern in traditional non-Western cultures as well as in the West. (KR)

Describes an exhibit containing four basic demonstrations relating to center of gravity and rotational equilibrium. The demonstrations involve (1) the stack of bricks, (2) the double cone, (3) the spool roller, and (4) the platform balance. (MDH)