Describes Improvised Musical Play (IMP), a teaching strategy that uses simple rhythms, chanting, and singing to make participation in social play with nondelayed peers easier for developmentally delayed children. (BB)

Shares the author's transition from traditional reading instruction to a whole-language approach. Discusses journal writing and dramatization as two effective teaching strategies. (MG)

Discusses what a sign system is, using the examples of art, music, drama, mathematics, and language. Explores how people use signs, and research on sign systems. Investigates how multiple sign systems can be incorporated into the classroom. Notes that supporting learners' flexible use of multiple sign systems may offer a better way to teach…

Discusses the rationale for offering English-as-a-Second-Language instruction to incarcerated adults. Describes one effective program that has been successful in keeping students' attention. Suggests that inmates can discover enjoyment in constructive pursuits and realize they can derive satisfaction from legitimate activities. (Author/VWL)

Experiential drama consists of short skits that address various value areas. Issues drawn from student experiences are used in the dramatizations, which portray the actual experiences and incidents. Students develop the scenarios and present them to classes, social agencies, churches, and businesses. Educational benefits abound. (MLH)

Presents an interview with Ruth Beall Heinig, author of "Creative Drama for the Classroom Teacher," about her role as a teacher of creative drama and as a teacher-educator preparing teachers to use creative drama. Describes the development of her career in creative drama. Offers information on books about the subject written by other authors. (CR)

Describes the potential that theater has to exert a positive influence on students' behavior patterns. States that positive educational experiences for African-American children may be achieved through the development of "an alternative frame of reference, positive self-concepts, a Black identity, and a commitment to their people."…

Describes development of a new youth theater in an academic setting meeting the needs of urban youth, while satisfying the very different academic demands of an innovative educational theater teaching program. Describes genesis and development; pedagogical principles underpinning both programs; how this model fosters the growth of a community of…

Uses creative dramatics to introduce an exploration of the dynamics of pendulums. (YDS)

Recounts how an Iowa junior high school improv company (called "Pressure Points") tackles tough issues, educating their audiences about the dangers of alcohol and drugs; the effects of divorce; the realities of AIDS, rape, and suicide; and about the difficulties of growing up in a risk-filled world. Describes the troupe's work methods,…

An elementary school teacher describes how students in grades five through six developed language-arts and other skills by rewriting Shakespeare plays; learning stage design, techniques, and vocabulary; reflecting on Shakespeare's intentions and their own insights into the plays' meanings; and presenting both original plays and their own versions.…

Investigated feasibility of teaching socio-dramatic play through the use of a verbal script to increase sophistication of free play behavior in preschoolers with developmental disabilities. Found support for the clinical utility of scripted play as a teaching strategy for such children. (SD)

These eight articles describe successful public library programs for teens. Highlights include programs emphasizing immigrants' cultures; viewing film adaptations from appropriate books; summer book discussion groups; using music to promote reading; using teen and senior citizen volunteers to help restore books; teens as computer tutors for other…

Readers' Theatre is a presentation by two or more participants who read a script. The focus is on effective reading of the script, rather than on a memorized presentation. Discusses preparing the scripts; getting started; the Readers' Theatre Fable Festival; and how Readers' Theatre can be used to enhance the reading and writing program. Includes…

Outward Bound Czech Republic offers a personal development program for international participants that goes beyond the physical outdoor activities traditionally associated with adventure education. Dramaturgy uses "scenarios" in course design, allowing instructors to integrate a range of social, physical, creative, and reflection…