Suggesting that critical thinking activities are the crux of many of the goals and objectives of communication education, this paper summarizes a sample of the literature on critical thinking. Based on the review, the paper notes that: (1) a consensus exists regarding what critical thinking is and what specific skills are acquired through varied…

Designed to develop K-3 children's thinking skills before the children have mastered reading, this book presents 32 activities in which children learn to complete analogies--presented with an "attribute block" with 3 attributes, children choose a fourth attribute block to complete the analogy. The attribute blocks in the book are of 4 types--shape…

Noting that myths are a powerful classroom tool, this book presents 8 short plays (in a readers' theater format) for grades 4-8. After an introduction that discusses getting started and using the book, plays in the book are: (1) "The Gods Must Be Crazy: The Story of Cupid and Psyche"; (2) "The Sound of Music Goes Underground: The…

Helping students in grades 3 through 11 to master the mechanics of language, this book describes the "Caught'ya" approach to teaching grammar, in which students correct error-filled sentences that form an ongoing humorous plot. The book notes that the sentences are presented 3 to 5 times a week at the start of class and take less than 10…

This paper discusses plays and companion art pieces suitable for use in the United States history classroom. After a poster from a production of Max Frisch's "Biedermann und die Brandstifter," the paper presents a list of 18 questions ("lenses") for the study of plays with a historical connection; a list of 15 plays for…

A 25-year-old male instructor of Korean, Japanese, Hawaiian, American, and Australian background teaching predominantly 20-year-old, white students at a midwestern university developed an activity to introduce interpersonal communication to the students on the first day of class. Objectives were to develop in learners: (1) an awareness of…

Writing is a fundamental skill for students to develop. A learning environment should be in evidence which assists students to achieve more optimally in writing. Writing activities should be interesting, purposeful, meaningful, and provide for individual differences. Students need stimulating learning opportunities involving a variety of purposes…

Useful to both beginning and experienced puppeteers and storytellers, this book provides step-by-step instructions for people who want to use puppets with familiar literature for children ages 2 to 8. The first section of the book (which introduces concepts basic to puppetry) contains 24 scripts with complete directions for successful activities…

Noting that nonverbal communication classes rarely teach students to analyze their own nonverbal communication behavior, this paper presents five class activities that provide students with objective measures of their nonverbal selves. The exercises in the paper allow students to analyze their vocalics, facial kinesics, dress, and appearance.…

This booklet for parents explains the activities that take place in kindergarten and the characteristics of kindergarten staff. Also discussed is the manner in which the activities and staff help children develop. Activities considered center around dramatic play; children helping themselves and others; pets; cooking; snacks; exercise; reading and…

Mapping (a visual system of condensing materials to show relationships and importance) is a strategy for reading which may be used by students in various courses throughout their college experience, or prior to their college experience. Mapping may also be used by individuals, small study groups, or in large groups. Mapping consists of four basic…

Reading strategies can be taught at various grade levels using songs as texts. The thought-provoking song "The Greatest Love of All," sung by Whitney Houston, was used with a group of sixth-grade students, using the Reading/Singing strategy. The steps in the reading lesson were: (1) motivate the children so they will eagerly anticipate…

Making connections for teachers between Shakespeare and his historical context on the one hand and secondary students on the other, this book presents background information, commentary, resources, and classroom ideas to enliven students' encounters with Shakespeare. The book concentrates on "Romeo and Juliet,""Julius…

One of eight papers from Project Seed, this paper describes WIN-WIN, a four-session classroom guidance program designed to teach third-grade children a step-by-step process of conflict resolution and peace-making. Participants, program goals, and anticipated outcomes are briefly described. A section on procedures describes each of the following…

Based on a series of successful summer writing institutes, this book presents practical ways for teachers to reinvigorate their classrooms and their own attitudes toward creative writing. In four complementary sections focusing on four groups of writers--creative writers in residence, K-12 students and teachers who participated in the summer…