The concept of student team learning is described, with details on cooperative learning techniques developed for reorganizing classrooms into exciting, high-achieving places. (CB)

A large class that must share one computer can still get the benefits of adventure/simulation software if students work in small groups. Teamwork stimulates sharing and cooperation. The importance of planning, useful peripherals, follow-up activities, and product information are included in this article. (IAH)

Presents suggestions for developing a thematic teaching unit to help students overcome fear by learning about the courage of survivors in literature. The article recommends reading a story aloud, discussing courage and survival of the characters, and developing group-guided reading activities that involve individual or group projects. (SM)

This article describes a method for writing instruction in which small groups of students meet to read and evaluate each other's writing. A five-day schedule for this "writing family" activity is outlined. (SJL)

Presents interactive activities and games designed to help teachers get to know new students quickly and help the students become comfortable with each other and their surroundings as the school year starts. The article addresses how to explore the new environment, handle concerns and conflicts, and work in cooperative groups. (SM)

Presents strategies for peer conferences to help elementary students grow as writers. The strategies help make the process easier and more efficient. Suggestions are that teachers have warm-up activities, provide a conference space, allow students to choose conference partners, and have students keep records during conferences. (SM)

Elementary teachers can use graphing to introduce students to one another. An eye color graphing activity helps students learn more about each other while experimenting with different ways of organizing and displaying information. For follow up, students can apply their graphing knowledge by collecting and displaying data from their families. (SM)

Presents tips on how to create a positive, friendly classroom community from day one. Ideas include beginning the year with getting-to-know-you activities; identifying and positively involving students with potential behavior problems; offering opportunities for students to assist one another with activities; working together toward a goal; and…

To enliven her fourth-grade class on rainy days, the author grouped the students into five teams to study the Westward Movement in the United States. Each team became a wagon train, tracing a different pioneer route and marking their progress with group reports, research projects, and diaries. (SJL)

Presents class activities to help elementary teachers prepare their students for cooperative learning. Phase one involves building team spirit and appreciating differences. Phase two includes strategies for trying substantial cooperative projects. Phase three offers ideas for adding cooperation to basic subject areas all year long. (SM)

Outlines the views of three scholars on cooperative learning: cooperation in content areas (team-assisted individualization and cooperative integrated reading and composition); grading techniques (e.g., individual score plus group bonus points, group scores, and scoring only one member's paper); and structuring social interaction (round robin,…

Three articles present suggestions to help elementary teachers promote student development. The first describes games that encourage a sense of community. The second deals with making parent teacher conferences a positive experience. The third discusses how to give confused children who are involved in custody battles an alternative to acting out.…