Describes a preschool classroom project intended to explore cotton and wool production. Describes the planning process, project implementation and evaluation, collaboration with other teachers, additional fiber-related center activities, and how the project provided opportunities for work in many curriculum areas. The fabric project concluded with…

This paper describes the work done by a third-grade class to write and present adaptations of Dickens'"A Christmas Carol" and Shakespeare's "The Tempest." Students explored the authors' lives and collectively wrote their own renditions of the stories; the entire short text of their version of "The Tempest" is included. (PB)

Provides some brief suggestions for teaching students about color, including an activity for use during outdoor field trips or in local parks. Questions for provoking student explorations of color mixing and the functions of color in nature are provided, which use the scientific method as a model for structuring student observations. (PB)

One elementary school program approaches technology activities involving design and construction that enables students to premodel designs using a commercial instructional package produced by LEGO. (JOW)

Suggests business communication faculty will benefit from an understanding of three areas related to Institutional Review Board (IRB) review of class projects involving human subjects research: (1) whether their institution requires such class projects to be reviewed by the IRB; (2) how they can adapt classroom activities, materials, and…

Explores character development through an exercise which reveals character through action, situation, and externals. Explains how student actors can develop the ability to reveal character through analysis of a scene situation and by choosing actions appropriate for the character and story being told. Notes that the exercises offered are focused…

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)