This book explores strategies for building up a repertoire of techniques that allow teachers to develop effective explanatory skills. Though it focuses on elementary teachers, many strategies are appropriate for secondary teachers. The book uses a mixture of activities, discussion points, and classroom-based findings that have been proven…

This textbook for elementary school teachers is based on the 'synoptic method' which involves: (1) bringing together ideas, materials, children, adults, values, beliefs, behaviors, teaching and learning strategies and more; (2) selecting, planning, organizing, and presenting specific learning experiences from a pool of possibilities; and (3)…

Many students who struggle with handwriting eventually dislike all writing. Positive teacher attitudes can change students' attitudes and encourage them to improve their penmanship. Two activities can help elementary students enjoy writing while improving their handwriting. One has students practice common strokes in letter formation. The other…

Spelling centers are useful as elementary students become adept at managing their spelling practice. Teachers can store regularly-used spelling materials at spelling stations. This article presents two spelling-station activities. One helps students become more aware of how to spell well. The other helps students make individual spelling lists and…

This mathematics activity for K-3 students has students plant and measure the growth of bulbs. The activity teaches them to measure, collect, and graph data. The article presents a list of materials needed, instructions for creating a chart, and sample discussion questions. (SM)

When teaching primary mathematics, story problems with themes that are special to children (such as anything to do with animals) work well to develop their numerical reasoning. Children benefit from problem-solving experiences that help develop their number sense. The paper presents an activity for practicing numerical reasoning and offers three…

Many students have undiagnosed vision problems despite passing school vision screening. Traditional screening may miss problems with close vision, eye-hand coordination, and smooth eye coordination. The article discusses what teachers should look for, how to proceed if there is a problem, and how to create vision-friendly classrooms. A list of…

Presents literature-based activities that take division off the workbook pages and place it in situations to which children can relate. The activities help students understand division, devise strategies, and solve problems in context. Both activities involve reading stories then using division to solve real-life problems for story characters. (SM)

Presents three fun summer spelling activities for elementary school students and their parents. A kindergarten activity teaches children how sounds and letters make words. A second- through sixth-grade activity teaches the spelling of new words through games. A first- through second-grade activity reinforces correct spelling of high frequency…

This study investigated the nature and validity of teacher judgments about student motivation as part of a project related to the teaching of mathematics. The study examined: (1) the degree of correlation between teachers' and students' assessments of students' motivation regarding mathematical topics; (2) the stability of teachers' and students'…

The National Council of Teachers of Mathematics curriculum standards recommend encouraging active learning, providing diverse topics, creating supportive environments, and offering ongoing assessment. The article describes how some people implement the standards using such strategies as making math physical, noting math in everyday life, sending…

These lesson plans are designed for use by elementary school social studies teachers who take their classes to tour the regional airports of Louisville, Kentucky. Fifteen lesson plans are included: "That's My Team"; "Who Said That?""Me? Fly?"; "I Know It's Around Here Someplace!"; "How Far Did You…

A workshop exposed elementary teachers to activities from three contemporary elementary science programs. (MP)

An intermediate unit to celebrate National Library Week by broadening students' awareness of the library as a resource is suggested. Activities involve social studies, math, language arts, arts, and science. (MT)

Ideas for language arts, science, math, and social studies units involving ladybugs are suggested. A reproducible page on compound words is included. (MT)