A monthly exchange of tips, projects, ideas and resources. (Editor)

This guide is part of the Delaware Department of Education's ongoing efforts to provide assistance and support to local school districts in their development of a standards-based curriculum. The guide details the essential skills and knowledge that elementary students must attain at each grade level in English language arts, mathematics, science,…

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…

Points out stages in writing-skill development as well as ways children's writing can be stimulated at home and in school. Topics include: encouraging new vocabulary and development of spoken language; reading to the child and stimulating involvement and response; being an example by writing in the presence of children; and providing opportunities…

A "children's festival" can be an exciting and meaningful alternative to the traditional school carnival, which often emphasizes competition rather than cooperation and learning. Ideas for such a festival that can generate money, provide fun for adults and children, encourage cooperation, and provide learning experiences are presented.…

Examines research evidence concerning the feasibility of a diagnostic approach to the teaching of spelling, presenting some suggestions based on that evidence for improving spelling instruction. (MP)

Concept building is discussed, and several information processing strategies that teachers can use to promote student vocabulary development are presented. Classroom activities are also described. (Author/DB)

Suggests that creating from and sharing dreams is an effective way to develop language skills, individuality, understanding, and rapport in elementary classrooms. Provides an index of dream topics that a group of elementary students reported. (RL)

Outlines a year-long program for fifth-grade students who feel shy and insecure about writing and/or who make gross spelling errors. Emphasis is on remedial spelling activities. (RH)

Children learn to edit their own writing. (Editor/RK)

The target: better readers. The plan of action: synchronize topics, bulletin boards, contracts, books. (Editor)

Children's grief differs from adults' grief. Rituals like funerals or memorial services can help children accept the finality of death. Intervention programs with counseling and play therapy for grieving children can be very helpful. Teachers must become informed about handling death to help children cope. A sidebar discusses how to help children…

Reports results of a study of writing skills of students, grades four through six. Reports school district size, sex, and grade level significantly affect writing skills, with girls writing better than boys and older students writing better than younger students, but effect of district size was inconsistent across grade levels. (DHP)

Describes how one elementary educator teaches her social studies students to express ideas with clarity and speak persuasively by completing a critical thinking and speaking activity that requires them to draw on the knowledge they just acquired and resolve an issue. Activities include simulating a Senate hearing and creating a talk show. (SM)

Through a review of the transition literature and a survey of 225 students about to enter middle school, the most significant anxieties identified were the following: (1) space concerns about a new and larger building, especially getting lost and being late to class; (2) contact with older and possibly rougher students; and (3) heavy homework…