A classroom calendar, created and used for recording events to illustrate the passage of time and to record school experiences was particularly helpful for a student with a communication disorder who needed more structure for understanding time concepts. Spin-off activities include recreating experiences and illustrating calendar activities. (CB)

This step-by-step approach to class plays will allow students to explore literature, think creatively, and learn to work together. Discussed are how to teach acting, choosing a story, teaching the story, rehearsing, and creating costumes and sets. (MT)

Instead of confining interschool competition to athletic teams, schools should consider highlighting their students' academic prowess with academic contests. A number of national programs are reviewed, including the Academic Olympiad sponsored by Utah State University and involving seven cooperating school districts in northern Utah. (MLH)

Five software packages that can create party decorations, certificates, toys, comic strips, and other graphics are reviewed. Sources of the software are given. (MT)

A class newsletter can help students learn about each other while they gain important social, writing, and interviewing techniques. Computer programs to produce a newsletter, to do word processing, and to manage data are described. (MT)

Having developmental writing students work in small groups to discuss errors, collaborate on writing, critique each others' writing, and discuss and clarify ideas increases students' involvement in their own writing. During class, the instructor often serves as consultant and mediator; though structured, monitored time is also provided for…

Describes techniques used in a 9-week unit in creative writing for elementary school children. Emphasizes the importance of learning that thinking, reading, and writing are facets of the same processes. Lists readings and books to read aloud and imitate. (DMM)

Discusses procedures for applying journal writing to learning study skills. Focuses on conditions for learning; offers guidelines for teachers in getting started and providing feedback; discusses typical student reactions; and lists the advantages of using journals for self-monitoring and communication. (DMM)

Holds that field trips outside the school, or having an expert in a particular occupation come in to talk to a class, can greatly enrich children's learning experience. Suggests appropriate trips and resource people for different age groups. (CJM)

Eric Hoffer's book, "The True Believer," was used in the classroom to help students understand mass movements and the problematic nature of leadership. Suggests a variety of activities to be used in conjunction with the book. (CS)

Describes a course in economics for journalists offered at the University of Oregon and discusses some of the limitations of such a course. (RB)

This filmography lists information on 41 films or videotapes related to Shakespeare in cinema to help teachers integrate cinematic texts, or series of texts, into the teaching of Shakespeare's plays. It lists titles, length, and the name of the producer or distributor and includes brief descriptions of the content of the film or videotape. The…