Relates how a blunder about the Arctic Ocean and the polar ice cap made by the author in his first year of teaching led to a successful learning experience. Lists five important discussion topics that social studies teachers should use to teach about this remote, but strategic, part of the world. (LS)

Discusses how computerized databases (collected information arranged in categories) can be used successfully in the language arts classroom. (MM)

Describes several assignments and activities that focus on writing for "real-world" purposes, including writing to pen pals, government agencies, and for children or the elderly. (MM)

Describes an introductory creative writing lesson in which students gave low grades to passages they later learned were written by William Faulkner and Ernest Hemingway. Reports that the students graded mainly on mechanics and grammar (and very little on content). Notes that students began to learn to manipulate the various aspects of writing. (RS)

Offers suggestions for promoting dramatic play as a medium for literacy development by concentrating on three factors: (1) the settings in which play occurs; (2) the amount of time allocated for play activities; and (3) the type of teacher involvement in play episodes. (MG)

This article describes how a sixth grade teacher uses contests, games, and fun to teach superior geography skills. (Author/IAH)

Presents several activities for an "interactive" classroom, including improvisation, role-playing, and informal discussions of literature. Notes that all suggested activities provide a context for language use and use students' talk as a vehicle for learning in a wide variety of communication situations, including reading and writing.…

Provides a simulation based on Marco Polo's journey. Demonstrates the hardships of 13th century travel by presenting students with difficult choices under challenging and primitive environmental conditions. Includes suggestions for class activities prior to using the simulation. (LS)

Provides examples of classroom activities that involve the use of newspapers and news magazines to enhance students' motivation and their awareness of current musical events. Suggests using newspaper activities to teach the basics of music criticism, and to develop lifelong interest in music. (LS)

The author explains how consumer research can be incorporated as subject matter in consumer education. A sample research-based class project entails observation and data collection at area salad bars. Unsanitary practices by both restaurant personnel and customers were noted. Data were analyzed and class members wrote short papers summarizing…

Urges that natural hazards be studied in order to analyze the geographic theme of human-environment interaction. Suggests ways in which this information can be introduced in the classroom. Identifies field studies and cross-cultural analysis with follow-up discussions as possible activities. Points out information sources. (KO)

Describes an upper-level seminar dealing with political economy theory applied to Asia. Requirements include a short paper, a comparative article review, an in-class presentation, and a term paper. Provides a brief review of these activities and a syllabus for a 15 week course. (KO)

Describes an exercise in which students learn to recognize cliches by locating them in a poem and generating them in a class discussion. Notes that by teaching students to recognize unimaginative and ineffective language in the work of other writers, they can learn to avoid it themselves. (MM)

Discusses three steps in the development of children's understanding of word knowledge: (1) awareness that words are language units; (2) awareness that words are arbitrary labels; and (3) comprehension of the term "word" in a metalinguistic way. Suggests activities that primary teachers can use to help children develop their word…

Describes several activities using postcards as writing prompts at all classroom levels. (MM)