Intended as an aid to elementary school teachers, this 48-page handbook presents a literature unit based on the children's book, "Pocahontas" by Ingri and Edgar Parin d'Aulaire. It begins with sample lesson plans, a unit planner, getting to know the book and author, and suggestions for using the unit activities. Next, a section offers…

Presenting activities, facts, and illustrations, this book takes learning the alphabet to a new level. After an introduction and a brief cartoon look at the history of the alphabet, the book presents 26 four-page mini-chapters (1 for each letter) that include a brief visual history of the letter; trivia tidbits; project ideas; a list of people,…

This paper is divided into three parts. The first explains concepts in the design of group activities that encourage learner cooperation, and ways in which they differ. Activities are distinguished by: (1) whether or not they involve learner time for planning language use before interaction; (2) whether they have one predetermined correct answer…

Designed to be used with a wide variety of literature selections in classroom settings, the activities in this book are open-ended, encourage critical thinking and discussion, and serve as springboards for writing. All activities in the book have been classroom tested and many have been the subject of research. Each activity may be used at any…

The personal coat-of-arms speech provides students with specific directions in constructing a speech of introduction and has been used with success at Illinois State University, Daley College (Chicago), St. Xavier University (Chicago), and Ohio State University. The personal coat-of-arms speech gives students concrete experience on which to draw…

Illustrating how dramatic storytelling can be used in the school or classroom, this book gives step-by-step guidelines for learning to tell stories and for teaching storytelling to students. The book provides more than 100 lesson-related whole language activities that can be used across the curriculum. The book also provides many examples and…

Noting that just as some children learn to read with little instructional assistance, some will learn to spell accurately with little or no help from their teachers, this teacher's guide presents activities and suggestions that serve as a resource for instructional planning rather than a recipe to be followed in precisely measured steps. After an…

This paper introduces a multi-dimensional, multi-level framework for analyzing students' social interaction and individual action during collaborative problem solving. Crossing the dimensions of problem knowledge distribution and degree of cooperation yields six possible social interactions: piecemeal guessing, joint construction, lecture,…

Two ninth-grade English teachers developed a unit of study on the Holocaust that is rooted in an understanding of the concepts and consequences of indifference and prejudice. Activities in the unit of study use a variety of communication skills. Because the teachers have found that journal writing is an effective tool for reflection and a source…

This paper provides a unit of instructional design for teaching an undergraduate public speaking course at Southern Arkansas University. According to the paper, the unit, consisting of 6 lessons, is designed to be taught in a 50-minute period 3 times each week. The paper points out that students are given many opportunities to practice the…

Intended for teachers and noting that folktales are a part of the oral tradition of every culture, this book presents 15 stories from many cultures that have been adapted for the "fingerplay" approach. The sequence of stories is based on the ease of sharing the fingerplay gestures with the class. Each story offers start-up ideas, as well…

Suggesting that now is the time to begin developing the skills and strategies to handle the wealth of information available, this booklet shows teachers how to use a variety of nonfiction trade books to help students in grades 1-6 question, acquire, and use information. The booklet's introductory section describes nonfiction trade books'…

To maintain student interest and increase student understanding of material in a course on the social psychological study of the self, a classroom exercise was developed that uses the film, "The Wizard of Oz," as a metaphor for the self. In the exercise, students are asked to observe the film's main character and the events that take…

This booklet consists of approximately 50 motivational instructional strategies identified and used by educators in adult high schools. Strategies include the use of humor by teachers; an emphasis on student autonomy, responsibility, and collaboration; and self-analysis of work. Specific ideas include involving students in activities, making…

Young children have little difficulty in creating imaginary worlds inhabited by fantastic creatures. Their play often reaches into the realm of make-believe whereby they improvise situations. Playing shop, mother and father, or doctor are examples of children's ability to try out adult roles and behaviors in a safe context. At school, it seems…