Describes numerous teaching\writing activities used in a teacher's high school history classes that are based on using writing as a means of teaching and learning, and on an understanding of the importance of continual (formative) assessment. Describes "initiative" assignments, process and reflection assignments, and research assignments. (SR)

Describes ways to help students of all ages with writing apprehension, including write more; discourage appropriation of voice; listen to fearful writers; find patterns in students' errors; conference during drafting stages; coach peers for effective response; encourage positive self-talk; be aware of possible gender differences; vary writing…

Discusses the concept of divorce in history--it has existed since the earliest recorded times. Discusses also the portrayal of divorce in fiction and nonfiction books for young readers--it was not discussed before California's 1969 no-fault divorce law. Outlines characteristics of books about divorce. Gives 10 questions for stimulating student…

Presents an activity designed to help students begin to see connections between traditional print and electronic communication environments. Aims also to introduce students to collaborative writing and sharpen narrative writing skills. Gives a step-by-step progression of the activity which begins with groups creating a character sketch. (PA)

Presents historical mathematics to students. Suggests allowing students to have two methods of problem solving with a graphing calculator to allow for a visual result. Indicates that students should have more than one opportunity to experience a solution to a problem, a variety of contexts for the problem, and an opportunity to communicate. (ASK)

Describes a series of lessons designed to supplement textbook instruction of probability by addressing the ideas of "equally likely,""not equally likely," and "fairness," as well as to introduce the difference between theoretical and experimental probability. Presents four lessons using The Wind Racer games to study probability. (ASK)

Observed and interviewed four preschool teachers to identify contributions of child care experiences to young children's mathematics understanding. Found that programs did not differ in amount or content of mathematics presented to children. Although teachers said they believed that mathematics was important and they engaged in mathematical…

Advocates introducing young students to realistic nature drawing as a way of integrating art and science. Describes an earthworm art project using a salt dough model and a realistic drawing. This activity should begin with a view of the real subject whenever possible before proceeding to the actual artwork. (AIM)

Presents a two-step approach that uses classroom dialogs to guide students in developing and applying critical-thinking skills. Describes how students evaluate written dialogs for biases, evidence, interpretations, and errors in reasoning, then take part in discussion as role players, analyzing errors in thinking, identifying reasoning skills,…

Offers 19 ideas based on learning styles to enhance student motivation. Includes tips for: conducting miniexperiments to identify peak learning times and conditions; varying teaching methods, mood, and pace; incorporating clear objectives, structured choices, relevant material, and humor; and keeping parents and students informed about learning…

Discusses how prop boxes enhance learning and are resources in multicultural and nonsexist primary education, focusing on play, experimentation, and cooperation. Examines integration of prop boxes into the curricula and activities, and presents examples of generic and specific multicultural prop boxes that incorporate art, music, foods,…

Discusses how teachers and instructional designers can encourage critical thinking in students through epistemic games, reflective knowledge-generating activities that can be created for any knowledge domain. Provides examples for various subjects. Presents a method for organizing instructional material into appropriate epistemic forms and for…

Discusses the rationale for working with computers as reading tools in a basic writing classroom and describes some of the teaching activities used in computer classrooms at the University of Minnesota's General College. (TB)

Describes how two kindergarten teachers involved parents in helping their children construct "sharing time" conversations. Discusses parental reactions, problems created, impact on student self-esteem, and new relationships formed between parents and teachers around this literacy event. (SR)

Two educators discuss the role literature plays in the English as a Second Language (ESL) classroom. One emphasizes that literary texts are a source for classroom activities that can motivate learners. The other points out that the English writings of ESL students about their travels and friends published in newsletters and journals generate…