A technique for provoking thought and discussion about a new subject in the college classroom involves having each student write facts they know about the subject on an index card, then reading cards at random to begin discussion. Content of the cards reveals significant concepts, concerns, and misinformation helpful in approaching the topic. (MSE)

Instructors are prepared to use Spanish versions of English-speaking and bilingual artists' recordings to teach language structures and enhance the five skill areas. This article reviews the literature and pedagogical use of songs and also provides a list of recordings, recommendations for classroom use, and two sample lesson plans. (Contains 20…

Describes a kindergarten class project in which five-year-old children became community helpers by producing joke books and distributing these joke books to waiting rooms of medical facilities to be used by child patients. (BB)

Describes teaching characterization to seventh-graders by using archetypes from genuine fairy tales (not the watered-down Disney versions). Presents sample discussion questions used to aid students in analyzing characterization. Discusses writing assignments associated with the reading and discussion of fairy tales. (RS)

Presents 17 classroom activities with an environmental theme. Activities are divided by grade level (grades K-2, 3-5, 6-8, and 9-12) and by subject matter (science, social studies, language arts, mathematics, and fine arts). Contains 15 suggestions for celebrating Earth Day. (LZ)

Describes a class exercise centered around the peculiar way in which English speakers invent and employ the words used to describe themselves and others, as well as how they affect human behavior. States that the exercise seldom fails to point out the inexact nature of labels, and that critical-abusive terms come more easily than positive terms.…

Presents a business communication scenario for students to role-play and analyze, using a systematic process for identifying communication roadblocks occurring on the job, especially when communicating with people from diverse backgrounds and other countries. Discusses ways to improve the communication process to enable students to develop…

Presents an exercise for students in small groups designed to help students identify errors and correct them and to emphasize the importance of the editing phase in writing. (SR)

Describes a first-grade project in which students created theme-based picture books. Each student's five- to eight-page book contained a title, picture, informative sentence, and diagram on each page. Students then created tables of contents and alphabetized and indexed their books. (MDM)

Describes a paradigm for generating a variety of problem situations in middle school mathematics, ranging from combining a single mathematical concept or process with a single context, to combining multiple concepts or processes with multiple contexts. Offers several illustrative examples. (SR)

Describes why and how to make movement part of the teaching routine to enhance the curriculum. Information is presented on movement logistics, managing movement, and music. The article explains how to integrate movement activities into specific science, social studies, math, and language arts units at various elementary school levels. (SM)

Two field day activities use homemade equipment to provide movement and fun. Super Kids Day is a 15-activity, individual versus individual event. Classic Games is a team versus team relay competition. For both field days, participation, rather than winning and losing, is emphasized so all students can feel successful. (SM)

Details how storytelling could function as a rich, multicultural pedagogy. Explores how storytelling can be grounded in the oral traditions of African and East Indian cultures. Locates a series of skills that emerge from storytelling activities. (RS)

Teachers can make sure students know important facts and concepts before giving unit tests by using the expert group review strategy. Small, mixed-ability student groups review different parts of the unit and present their findings to the class. After the test, students discuss the value of expert group review. (SM)

Suggests that the growing interest in project work in early childhood education is in response to the call for developmentally appropriate practices. Defines projects and discusses the beginning of a project. Discusses the three phases of the "construction site/house project" by four- and five-year olds and provides responses to…