Examined developmental effects of bibliotherapy-based classroom guidance curriculum. Students (n=22) in experimental group participated in 12 bibliotherapy-based lessons using titles selected for literary merit; control students (n=20) participated in 12 guidance lessons. Results suggest that use of stories to help students solve problems or…

Describes a drama/discussion technique designed to help students "re-see" their stories and possibly revise their work. Describes in detail how one second grade student went through several revisions of her story based on discussion with fellow students and the teacher during and after dramatization of her story. (RS)

Advocates using children's literature in the social studies curriculum to teach sensitivity to cultural differences and skills to cope with them. Offers a basic strategy for teaching ethnic sensitivity and discusses activities for three novels. (SR)

The study of acid rain provides ample opportunities for active, interdisciplinary learning. This article describes 12 hands-on activities designed to expand students' understanding of acid rain. Background information on acid rain is included. (LB)

Describes briefly several children's books that lend themselves to writing activities to support math and science instruction. (SR)

Discusses the phenomenon that the definitions recognized for the term "word" is frequently different for teachers and beginning readers. Reviews research exploring the phenomenon. Offers suggestions for classroom activities to resolve this state of cognitive confusion. (RS)

Suggests that teachers can use reluctant readers' sensitivity to and sophistication with "musicomedy" to both assess and develop reading comprehension. Discusses several class activities using the musical and humorous expressions in television commercials for fulfilling this objective. (RS)

Reviews elementary school books that help steer children away from the commercial aspects of gift giving and receiving during the holiday season and focus on the gifts of caring, generosity, selflessness, friendship, and tolerance. Teaching tips, class discussions, and literary tie-ins are included. (SM)

Counselors conducted 10-lesson classroom guidance program for 236 fourth-, fifth-, and sixth-grade students. Compared treatment and control groups of students on achievement in language arts, achievement in mathematics, conduct grades, ratings of student behavior, and students' attitudes toward school. Findings suggests that classroom guidance…

Provides a number of classroom activities, including skits, which foster creative thinking and bring vigor to the classroom setting. Relates how, in one class, students were given the opportunity to collaborate on skits in lieu of the final exam. (HB)

Presents new ideas for using buttons, beans, and beads as teaching manipulatives for elementary school children. The ideas include a button scavenger hunt, a button count, a cup puppet bean game, a numbers guessing game with beans in jars, and a bead stringing activity. (SM)

Offers tips for teachers to develop a strategy to model literary elements used by authors of literature. Offers a modeling example of inferring characterization. Lists additional books that develop strong characters. (PRA)

Describes two assignments conducted during the first few days of class that introduces students to the concept of format, provides a writing sample from each student, and furthers the process of students getting to know each other and the teacher. (SR)

Describes a business communication assignment in which students participate in a formal meeting (on coursework and evaluation) and later analyze the group processes. Notes that written activities from each student include preliminary memos, minutes of the meeting, and comments on group processes. (SR)

Describes a project in which 135 seventh graders "adopted" a nearby park; cleaned up litter in it; and raised the consciousness of the community about the park and litter through news stories, signs, and a park guidebook. (SV)