An expense account book report encourages students to be creative and doesn't penalize students with reading and writing disabilities. Pie graphs showing expenditures a character from a book might make reveal divergent thinking skills and with a minimum of words. A reproducible worksheet is included. (MT)

Assignment sheets that structure reading activities can be helpful in reading instruction for gifted children. The guides include activity suggestions before the reading (mostly vocabulary), during the reading (questions at the literal and inferential level), and after the reading (questions focusing on analysis, synthesis, and other higher mental…

For textbook reading assignments to be effective, teachers must develop well-defined procedures for making the assignments clear and relevant to the students and their experiences. Guidelines are offered. (Author/WD)

This 1989 activity calendar, developed to commemorate the "Year of the Young Reader," is divided into three sections. The first contains a calendar that lists authors' birthdays, special commemorations, anniversaries, and events. The second includes descriptions of book-related activities that complement monthly themes, weekly themes, or…

Describes "two-point system: which rewards students for having read assigned material before class, but does not penalize those who have not. At the beginning of class, students critique in writing the reading assignment. For each successful critique they receive two points on their next exam. (KC)

Suggests adding excitement to social studies instruction by using trade books. Cites research associating the reading of historical fiction with increased historical understanding. Describes the benefits of trade books' narrative form. Argues that such books can change students into active learners, help them study a slice of history, and increase…

Reading is one avenue of learning in the vital curriculum area of science. Factual as well as fictional content can be read by pupils in ongoing science units of study. Both fiction and non-fiction provide for attainment of science curriculum objectives emphasizing knowledge, skills, and attitudes. This document discusses teaching methods that…

Describes a method of individualizing textbook reading assignments. (MKM)

Recommends a series of reading and writing assignments designed to help students develop style and tone in their writing. (TJ)

Creative ways to motivate students to read and report on books include having them retell the stories differently, invent products related to the stories, share snacks like those the characters ate, illustrate action from the story, write imaginary conversations between themselves and the characters, and turn the stories into short skits. (SM)

Homework policies and guidelines are the topics outlined in this article. Homework policies should address the amount of homework and amount of school time available to do the homework. Guidelines for grading homework are also discussed. It is recommended that teachers should prepare a written description of homework practices for the principal.…

This video is one of a four-part series which is designed to introduce teachers and parents to standards and teaching in a standards-based environment, and aims to help teachers and parents understand how teaching with standards can change classrooms, work assignments, and student performance. This video demonstrates what starting to meet the…

This feature blends children's literature with in-class cooking ideas to add spice to reading programs at various times of the year. A seasonal list of reading books appropriate for elementary school-age children is coordinated with recipes for dishes that complement the stories. (PP)

Describes a technique used to motivate students to complete assigned journal readings in a college psychology course. Maintains that students completing readings receive two types of tangible benefits: (1) extra course credit and (2) use of their notecards on tests. Asserts that students responded favorably to the technique. (CFR)

Discusses how to motivate students to learn history. Suggests using primary sources, relating subject matter to what students already know, and avoiding lectures whenever possible. Recommends formulating goals in advance, preparing reading lists, preparing questions for students, and assigning individual projects. Argues that such a course will…