Uses case studies to explore how academic activities and discourse work together in classrooms to shape learning and instruction. Theories of social constructivism predict that the discourse arising before, during, and after activities can explain variability in students' social and academic participation in curriculum events, as can the nature of…

Investigates whether differences exist in perceptions of class activities for students in Grades 3-8 and between genders. In general, middle school students found their classroom activities less frequently interesting and enjoyable, with fewer opportunities for choice. Girls indicated that their class activities were more frequently interesting…

Attempts to find a middle ground between the extremes of direct instruction and discovery learning by creating a process that helps young children acquire beginning writing and spelling skills without the "drudgery" associated with drill and practice and the anxiety associated with spelling quizzes. Describes the "Share and Compare" process that…

Notes that a text map is an instructional approach designed to help students gain fluency in reading content area materials. Discusses how the goal is to teach students about the important features of the material and how the maps can be used to build new understandings. Presents the procedures for preparing and using a text map. (SG)

Describes the activity "Menu Magic!" that helps eighth graders review the power of adjectives. Notes that students "eat up this project" that promises to deliver the opportunity to analyze, synthesize, and evaluate while giving students the chance to work in cooperative groups. Describes and gives examples of the "Menu Magic" project. (SG)

Describes an end-of-year project in which students research an interesting figure from American history and have a "dinner party" in which they become the historical figure they have researched. Gives examples of ways to modify the number of assessed activities based on the class and time factors. (SG)

Describes how through a multifaceted heritage project, the author's eighth-grade students discover the magic of traveling with authors into the nooks and crannies of their seminal experiences, write their own budding memoirs, consider their values and beliefs, and compare family members' stories and values to their own. Outlines several elements…

Recognizes the importance of rethinking how the author's students read particular texts rather than which texts they read. Explores the concept of reading for multiple meanings rather than attempting to nail down "the meaning." Describes how she selected specific ideologies represented in "The Scarlet Letter" to use as various…

Shares six teachers' comments on how, why and which of Shakespeare's Sonnets they teach. (SG)

Suggests that letter writing can provide an especially empowering form of writing practice, as young children send meaningful written messages to one another, classroom mascots, pen pals, family members, and even elected officials. Concludes that the ultimate purpose of reading and writing is meaningful communication, and letter writing provides…

Notes that the Public Broadcasting System's children's series "Between the Lions" has become a very useful tool in the authors' kindergarten and first-grade classrooms. Describes how their students have enjoyed actively viewing the episodes, reading books that tie into the program, and doing follow-up activities around the themes…

Encourages teachers to model the thinking processes that take place as one begins to read and write. Notes that when a teacher thinks aloud as he or she writes, children can better grasp the inner dialogue that occurs. Explains components of the guided writing process and discusses simple suggestions as well as the benefits for early childhood…

Notes that while active learning strategies enable students to grasp important concepts, they also help students become enthusiastic and confident writers and interpreters of literature. Suggests that the more active students are in the lesson, the more engaged they will be in the subject matter and the better opportunity they will have to learn…

Presents materials that contribute to students' excitement and interest. Reminds teachers that with a new curriculum and new guidelines from local or national educational agencies, the goal is to help students become joyfully literate and experience the pleasures and the rewards that most educators associate with learning. Reviews materials for…

Describes an instructional activity designed to provide a creative opportunity through which students of a foreign language may practice by narrating past actions. The activity, as described, is designed for a beginning-level class, but modifications will allow its use for more advanced training. (GLR)