Problems and techniques in teaching the translation of idioms that make little or no sense literally are examined, using as an example the translation of a French idiom into German. Use of bilingual dictionaries and other related activities to deepen and enrich understanding of the language are stressed. (MSE)

Examines the cultural mechanisms that affect educational participation. Suggests the following strategies for supporting cultural voice: (1) acknowledge and use cultural differences in communication; (2) investigate the boundaries and politics of cultural differences; (3) develop democratic practices of classroom representation; and (4) protect…

Describes three poetry-writing exercises that encourage students to break from linear, normal thinking patterns: answering questions that have no answers; describing impossible objects; and contemplating infinity. (MM)

Describes several exercises to help students change their perspectives when writing poetry. (MM)

By scrutinizing products and their advertisements, students can learn how to make smart consumer decisions. Activities are described which focus on evaluating advertising claims and designing and administering a poll. Techniques used by advertisers are identified, and a reproducible worksheet for collecting product test and comparison data is…

A number of hands-on science activities are suggested to acquaint children with the variety and properties of polymers. Common polymers are listed; individual and group activities are described; and a reproducible worksheet is included. (IAH)

Advocates instruction in drawing for journalists to promote functional visual literacy. Argues that journalists comfortable with basic drawing will write more vividly, handle layout problems better, and have better relationships with artists and photographers than journalists not comfortable with basic drawing. Offers instructional objectives and…

Describes the NO circle, used in the classroom to relieve tension and anxiety, after viewing slides on pornography and listening to women tell stories of individual brutalization. Provides teaching techniques, and claims that the NO circle helps women find empowerment, overcome denial, and gain distance from the problem. (NL)

One way to give students the most comprehensive reading instruction is to combine techniques from three approaches to reading: literature based reading instruction, the whole language strategy, and the use of basal readers. Lesson plans and student activities which demonstrate this combined approach are presented. (IAH)

This article provides information on the evolution of the building material, concrete, and suggests hands-on activities that allow students to experience concrete's qualities, test the heat absorbency of various ground surface materials, discover how an area's geology changes, and search for city fossils. A reproducible activity sheet is included.…

Teachers' judicious use of humor in the classroom can have such positive effects as improving communication, focusing attention, provoking thought, liberating creative capacities, motivating students, and reinforcing desirable behaviors. Activities are suggested for exposing deaf students to various types of humor and helping them explore their…

Contends that metalinguistic awareness can be used in a practical way to combat linguistic prejudice and bring about changes in attitudes. Describes two activities (developing a "greetings repertoire" and conducting an individual language profile) designed to assist children in understanding racism. (RS)

Reflects on play as a context for teachers' assessment of young children's emerging literacy behavior and upon alternate assessment procedures in the context of play. (MG)

Presents an approach used in high school English classes to connect students with the world outside high school. Encourages students to take risks by selecting a project topic, choosing and inviting a guest speaker, preparing for the visit, reading and writing on related topics, and doing a follow-up project. (SR)

Discusses a model for reading education courses in which students are treated as learners who are encouraged to engage actively in learning. Discusses appropriate prereading, during reading, postreading, and cooperative learning activities. Supports prevailing beliefs that teacher educators should model instructional approaches they expect their…