Describes how magic tricks can be used as a counseling technique in elementary schools. Describes two magic tricks and suggests ways they can be used to facilitate guidance lessons on the counselor's role and self-change. (ABB)

Measures humor appreciation (including mirth, subjective ratings, and response sets), comprehension, and production in children between the ages of 10 and 14. Relates humor to several areas of competence manifested at school. (HOD)

Studies the protagonists in the comedies of Heinrich von Kleist, Gerhart Hauptmann, Carl Zukmayer, and Bertolt Brecht to show the literary evolution of the criminal from outrageous lawbreaker to humanitarian crusader. (DS)

Relates personal experiences and applies Freud's theory of humor to explain why teachers should not treat the study of comedy too seriously in the English classroom. (RL)

Suggests ways to get students interested in talking seriously about comedy. (RL)

Examines Chaplin's movement from silent films to sound films and his reluctant use of the spoken word and inclination to link human speech to basically sterile functions. (JMF)

Describes a "lunch theater" project implemented at Hampstead Central School in Hampstead, New Hampshire. Groups of first through fourth graders rehearsed and performed songs, dances, magic, comedy, gymnastics, and student-written skits during their respective lunch periods for an audience of fellow students, staff, and teachers. Students…

Describes how the author uses the character George from the television comedy "Seinfeld" to offer her students a challenging inquiry into cultural studies in relation to television character analysis. Describes how the author uses a particular episode to discuss the relation between George's workplace travails and broader issues of…

Presents five articles on humor in early child care: (1) "What Makes Young Children Laugh?" (David Elkind); (2) "Humor as a Tool in the Workplace" (Jerry Parr); (3) "Vincent's Vignettes" (Vincent Duffy); (4) "Family Humor" (Bill Strader); and (5) "Books to Tickle Funny Bones" (Karen Stephens). (SD)

"Archy and Mehitabel," a collection of 48 newspaper columns by Don Marquis on the aspirations and foibles of man, can be used effectively to spark the interests of today's students. Marquis' delightful dialogue between the humorous and learned cockroach, Archy, and his cliche-ridden but lovable friend, Mehitabel the cat, are written in free verse.…

Tom Stoppard's play, "Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead," focuses on the antics and tragedy of two minor characters in Shakespeare's "Hamlet." Although satirical of their philosophical pretensions, the play conveys the uncertainty and confusion of its two principal characters and thus reflects modern man's dilemma. The…

This auteuristic analysis of Hollywood filmmaker Frank Tashlin (1913-1972) includes critical commentary, interviews, and a biographical chronology. Six separate articles discuss various facets of Tashlin's films, ranging from the artistic processes involved to critical evaluations of the films. In two interviews, Tashlin elaborates on his…

The teaching and understanding of Shakespeare are the subjects of these essays by (1) Louis B. Wright, who is concerned with the elements of Shakespearean plays which give them world-wide acceptance and timelessness, (2) Richard Hosley, who explores the use of stage curtains both today and when Shakespeare's plays were first produced, (3) G. L.…

This book, which is most suitable for high school or junior college teachers, is a guide to the teaching of twelve of Shakespeare's plays. For each play the authors include an opening essay about the general character of the play, its main theme, and the dramatic design expressing this theme. A detailed discussion of the dramatic action follows,…

This book transforms William Shakespeare's "Twelfth Night,""A Midsummer Night's Dream," and "Much Ado about Nothing" into adaptable "Caught'ya" sentences that appeal to high school students at any level--from basic skills and dropout prevention through high honors and advanced placement. The book makes…