Describes how caregivers and their school-age children can make a "friendship quilt," outlining the basics of quilting, the materials needed, and basic patterns that can be followed. Includes detailed diagrams and patterns for designing and constructing applique and patchwork quilts. (MDM)

Characteristics and types of role-play for the language classroom are discussed. Sample activities for grades K-3 and for grades 4-6 are offered. (Contains 15 references.) (Author/LB)

Practical strategies for eliciting vocabulary without translation in a Spanish class are discussed, and examples are given of a cross-skills approach that requires students to use different linguistic abilities to generate appropriate lexical responses. Figures showing how to construct these exercises are included. (Contains 14 references.)…

Early childhood programs can use a number of mental health strategies as preventive measures in support of constructive coping, including circle time, which enhances children's sense of belonging; daily affirmations, which promote positive thinking; and action plans, which allow children to plan their day and have some control over their lives.…

Describes several exercises in an elementary classroom led by Koester--a game in which differences are special, and one that simulates community living. Notes that Koester's class is diversified racially, and the exercises in her class are seen by each student as a shared lesson. Concludes with a call for meaningful interactions with and among…

This article discusses what constitutes a good vocabulary notebook by first deriving 11 principles from language memory and language research that can serve as a guide in the creation of a pedagogically sound notebook. A design for vocabulary notebooks is presented that emphasizes the incremental learning of vocabulary and different aspects of…

Describes working with multiage elementary school students on demand writing--writing to meet deadlines. Discusses why to teach it, practical applications, what teachers need to know before beginning instruction, getting started, introducing demand writing, modeling it, teaching beginnings and endings, and revising and editing/proofreading. (SR)

Discusses a thinking-writing-organizing technique that Kenneth Burke called the dramatistic method. Suggests that having students ask and answer a series of questions prompted by five words (who, what, where, why, and how) placed at each of the points of a star can help students think and write about works of literature. (RS)

Examines the types of games played in the classroom and their competitive nature, discussing the effect of such games on children. Emphasizes the need to choose or develop games that discourage competition, encourage cooperation, and build self-esteem in children. Suggests ideas for innovative activities. (BAC)

Describes a procedure used with second graders which teaches analogies and analogic thinking to aid in reading instruction tied to a thematic unit. (SR)

Provides 13 samples from a variety of media magazines that offer usable classroom role-playing scenarios addressing ethical issues. (RS)

Uses "Romeo and Juliet" to show how high school teachers can teach complex literary texts in nontracked classrooms by building background knowledge and teaching self-monitoring strategies. Explains strategies such as text previews, story impressions, prereading plan, thinking aloud, self-questioning based on story grammar, and reciprocal…

This paper shows how scanning can be practiced in a class reading Southeast Asian texts, focusing on methods used to teach scanning techniques to advanced learners of Thai-as-a-Foreign-Language. Instructors can present students with questions or items to search for in a lengthy text, such as the Thai epic poem "Ramakian." (MDM)

Describes a three-part midterm exercise designed to demonstrate how using general semantics as an analytical tool can increase awareness and improve critical thinking about an issue. Explains each phase of the assignment in detail. Concludes with student responses to the exercise, indicating that the exercise is indeed helpful in analyzing current…