Suggests that the more effective sustained silent reading programs included eight common components: access to books, book appeal, comfortable environment, encouragement, staff training, non-accountability, follow-up activities, and distributed time to read. Discusses these eight components. Shares some of the many different kinds of questions…

This case study of inactive, or invisible, students enrolled in an online graduate course identifies how much time is spent in course-related activity, what the reasons are for students' invisibility, and if their preferred learning styles influence online behavior. Preliminary analysis of grades indicate that grades are better for high-visibility…

Describes four classroom learning experiences designed to analyze construction of media messages. Notes these activities, appropriate for children aged approximately 12 and older, are intended to create a learning environment that encourages active discourse on critical questions about information sources, belief, uncertainty and doubt, authority,…

Examines the use of the Herringbone technique as a writing tool with fourth-grade children. Notes that the Herringbone technique provides students with a structure for identifying and organizing important story elements and observing relationships when reading or writing. Demonstrates that the Herringbone strategy is a useful tool for effective…

Discusses how the writing classroom can impact students' understanding of self-identity. Shows how using writing as a student-centered, collaborative activity can provide high school and college students with a better understanding of who they are as individuals. Shows high school and college students how gendered characteristics relate to demands…

Explains the fight or flight reaction and presents a hands-on activity for high school students. Uses crayfish behavior as an example. (Author/SOE)

Illustrates the elements of story structure (beginning, middle, and end) by discussing excerpts from children's literature. Provides an annotated bibliography of picture books for each element, elementary classroom activities, and writing exercises. (PEN)

Provides an annotated bibliography of autobiographical books (K-12) by children's authors and illustrators providing insight into the way writers and artists draw on their own lives for stories. Describes classroom activities in language arts for young and older students, highlights notable autobiographical collections and series, and lists 12…

Discusses class activities that create artificial environments to facilitate students' learning about the cultural life of the country whose language they are studying, in this case, Spanish. Such activities include taking pictures of fictional wedding parties, using current Mexican newspapers to shop for the bride and groom, and attendance at the…

Offers a basic introduction and overview of the Internet, explaining what it is and how teachers and students can use it in the classroom. Discusses learning to use the Internet, and using the Internet to promote reading and writing. (SR)

Describes eight creative inquiry projects for middle-school students, complete with description, time investment, level of difficulty, and student rating. (SR)

This paper explores the use of conceptual themes as a framework for interdisciplinary studies with gifted students. Describes sample themes and suggested student products, as well as guidelines for brainstorming, planning activities, facilitating production, and evaluating student products. (PB)

Notes that dramatic play is an important outlet for toddlers and small children, and that prop boxes allow children to know their world, role play, and enhance their imaginations. Provides lists for 20 different prop boxes, and information on getting started, collecting, organizing, and using prop boxes. (SD)

Describes two approaches used in teacher education courses to prepare teachers to teach multicultural literature: (1) teachers read and responded to multicultural texts and then developed thematic units built upon multiethnic literature and incorporating a reader-response approach; and (2) teachers read and responded to children's literature in…

Explores the use of simulations as a teaching method for gifted students. Identifies positive effects of simulations and distinguishes different types. Notes disadvantages related to time, money, and experience as are unique features of the teacher's role in this approach to instruction. Lists guidelines for choosing a model and deciding on a…