This article argues that it is possible to look at children's texts in relation to the lens of literacy events and practices from the New Literacy Studies, and apply this perspective to an understanding of creativity. Teachers can then use the possibilities within a text to ask children different kinds of questions. Drawing on a 2-year…

Every day, music teachers face the challenge of motivating less-confident student singers in general music classes. Teaching vocal improvisation can be a difficult task, because students are often self-conscious about their voices and too intimidated to sing in front of their peers. Technology can be an excellent motivational tool in the classroom…

This "funbook" presents reading and writing activities to help children prepare for reading and writing. Activities introduce the alphabet, and assist children to print letters of the alphabet and engage in other readiness tasks. The margins of many of the pages present instructions for "reading partners." The booklet includes…

Presenting activities, facts, and illustrations, this book takes learning the alphabet to a new level. After an introduction and a brief cartoon look at the history of the alphabet, the book presents 26 four-page mini-chapters (1 for each letter) that include a brief visual history of the letter; trivia tidbits; project ideas; a list of people,…

Creativity is generally considered an attribute that everyone possesses to some degree and which can be nourished in the proper educational environment. This research project investigated conditions related to creativity development in preschools in Macedonia, operating with the hypothesis that optimal conditions for such development have not been…

This booklet consists of approximately 50 motivational instructional strategies identified and used by educators in adult high schools. Strategies include the use of humor by teachers; an emphasis on student autonomy, responsibility, and collaboration; and self-analysis of work. Specific ideas include involving students in activities, making…

This work presents a collection of craft projects that can be created by children. Necessary for completion of each craft is an IBM-compatible computer running Windows, "Word for Windows 6.0," with a mouse, a printer, and plain white printer paper. Simple craft supplies, including glue and scissors, also are needed. In each activity the child is…

Creativity is a process of thinking and doing; adults can encourage this important life skill in young children by encouraging them to embrace new ways of looking at things. This guide, part of the "Seeds for Success" series, provides advice for parents for encouraging creativity in children in a variety of areas by means of nearly 100 simple…

This teacher's guide presents activities designed to use student-created artwork and writing in the learning of English as a second language. It can also be adapted to other second languages and to all age groups from kindergarten through adults. The activities encourage students to produce drawings or writings based on their own experiences. They…

This book is designed to be of assistance to primary school teachers who have had little training in arts and crafts and for use in teacher training colleges. Tested in Nigeria and Jamaica, this manual gives children an opportunity to develop their natural creativity, and also develops accuracy and manual dexterity in hand skills. Lesson plans are…

The cultural diversity of Japan can provide a rewarding learning experience for children of all grade levels. This teaching unit includes resources and ideas for the study of Japanese society, art, folklore, and poetry. Included among the instructional objectives are: (1) children will compare U.S. lifestyles with Japanese lifestyles by reading…

The classroom activities suggested in this resource booklet, proven successful by South Dakota poet Jack Kreitzer, are designed to spark or increase students' creativity by bringing the exciting language of poetry alive in the elementary and secondary classroom. Introductory comments present thoughts on what poetry is and how it should be taught,…

Teachers can create an interest in the founding period of U.S. history and present students with an authentic view of this time period through the presentation of this play. The dramatic pretense of the play is that the audience, by their presence, is part of the drama. The audience plays the part of travelers visiting a Philadelphia home in the…

Results confirm that poetry is produced at a younger age than prose, that achieved imminence and life span are positive determinants of the modal productive age, and that these relationships are cross culturally and trans-historically invariant. (Author/AM)

The extensive use of improvisational techniques in rehearsals for chamber theatre productions develops for the performer a strong engagement with the text. The director can channel the movement and gestures that emerge from these techniques into the production itself, with results that more effectively convey the literature than traditional…