Investigated the role of classroom characteristics and preschool children's complex interactions with teachers, objects and peers. Found that complex interactions with objects were most probable in dramatic play and in art activities with the teacher present. Complex peer interactions were rare, but complex teacher interactions were probable in…

Provides an overview of research in the subjects of visual arts, music, dance, and drama education as presented in scholarly journals. Reviews three publications in arts education: (1) "Schools, Communities, and the Arts: A Research Compendium"; (2) "Eloquent Evidence: Arts at the Core of Learning"; and (3) "Priorities for Arts Education…

Follows an ethnically diverse third- and fourth-grade urban classroom of school-labeled remedial readers as they moved from round robin reading to the construction of a classroom theatre in which they interpreted and performed literary text. Finds that children began to see themselves not only as characters and actors but as readers. (RS)

Examines the current practices and possibilities of using the teaching-in-role strategy (where the teacher takes on a fictional role for educational purposes) through a survey of professional youth theaters. Finds that, of 38 programs that responded, all indicated having an educational program with several characteristics compatible with…

Describes frame play as a type of play in which children and teacher jointly plan the theme, roles, and actions and produce an extended imaginary play situation that can be repeated. Presents other types of play and discusses teachers' role in supporting theme development, resource organization, and environment transformation. Analyzes frame play…

Chronicles how the author first used creative drama in a summer reading program with first graders, and then over the years developed a much broader understanding of how drama is an important teaching tool. Describes writing "scaffolded" plays with sixth-grade students. Discusses implications for language arts teachers. Describes her annual…

A profile is presented of Michael Flachmann, professor of English at California State University at Bakersfield and one of four 1995 Professors of the Year by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. The discussion includes his teaching philosophy, professional and personal activities and interests, and students' comments. (MSE)

Examines the use of gender-distinctive language in preschool sibling conversations, focusing on mitigation in directives and related forms used during pretend play. Findings indicate that gender-distinctive patterns of language use are sensitive to variations in situation and interaction partner. (19 references) (CK)

Lists activities to encourage children to use language to validate their experiences. The activities provide opportunities for children to write expressively, guide children to read and respond to literature, help children reflect on their own reading and writing, teach children to respond to each other's writing, and integrate drama into literary…

Discusses the benefits of creative drama techniques to teach elementary level English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) students, describing a five-day plan used in one ESL program for preparing students to enact story events. Drama in the ESL classroom pushes students to use language in ways that differ from ordinary classroom exchanges as they recreate…

Describes a unit plan for teaching "Lord of the Flies" that allows students to respond freely to the reading and to "get out of their seats" and experience the first chapter of the book. Includes guidelines for the response-based approach, for discussion groups, and for character portfolios. (NH)

As educators of gifted students, the authors see more schools climbing aboard the differentiation wagon, and students who have been identified as cognitively gifted receiving services beyond logic worksheets. Everyone still has a long way to go, however. As classroom teachers become more familiar with characteristics of giftedness and begin to…

Intended for all performing artists and students in the performing arts, this book begins with a history of mime through the ages (Chapter 1). Chapter 2 (Warming Up) discusses technique and artistry and offers an illustrated class exercise. Chapter 3 (Premise Work) continues with class exercises and considers how a teacher designs exercises and…

Based on Vygotsky's theory amongst others that play reflects different aspects of children's development and culture, this thesis explores in depth how aesthetic activities can influence children's play and the nature of the connections between play and culture, primarily in the aesthetic forms of drama and literature. The thesis also presents…

In this study, built upon a Vygotskian perspective, play is considered an optimal context for young children's literacy learning. The study sought to gain more understanding of the process of collaboration, or assisted learning, in order to promote literacy learning within the context of young children's social pretend play. Subjects were seven…