Reviews the materials, techniques, and some of the schools involved in the phonics-based Alpha One reading program. (MB)

Describes an experimental arts project in which groups of first and fourth grade students designed masks and used them to dramatize stories. The purpose of the project was to provide students with experiences with art forms while increasing their abilities to express feelings. (AM)

Puppets can be used in the classroom to teach, to tell stories, to introduce new students or books, and to develop children's cooperation, creativity, and coordination. Instruction on how to make and manipulate puppets, plan puppet plays, and locate information on puppetry are given. (PP)

Survey results indicate (1) steady growth of college and university theater departments doing "something" for children or offering courses in child drama; (2) once a department offers courses and productions, it tends to develop more comprehensive programs; and (3) increasingly, programs reflect the growing breadth and depth of the field. (PD)

Argues that in planning a suitable environment for dramatic play, the following aspects should be taken into consideration: teacher attitudes to dramatic play, provision of a play-conducive environment, and appropriate selection of space, time, peers, and equipment. (Author/MP)

Proposes five "creative comprehension" strategies designed to challenge both gifted as well as average students. (FL)

Describes a high-school theater-arts course which adapts a traditional children's story for presentation at local elementary schools. Participation is based on interest and commitment and results in an awareness of the rights and needs of others, development of diverse approaches to problem-solving, and reinforcement of personal responsibility.…

Suggests improvisational role-playing of fairy tales as a method of teaching social problem-solving skills to students. Presents a sample activity session based on the "Pied Piper of Hamelin." (SJL)

The basic premise of the Movement Research Project (MRP) is to have groups of undergraduate students investigate, report, demonstrate, and teach selected movement activities of peoples from various historical periods by combining movement with dramatic techniques. (JN)

Discusses three issues relevant to adolescent heroines in high school theater productions: the need to consider the role model presented by the character being portrayed; the need to focus on the sociodramatic issues of the production; and the need for consciousness-raising among teachers. (JMF)

Discusses ERIC documents pertaining to oral reading instruction. (FL)

Recounts the difficulties and ultimate success of a production of Chekhov's "Uncle Vanya" by fifth-and sixth-grade students. (RL)