Describes an affirmation approach to working with reluctant clients that incorporates the skills of rapport building that are part of counselor training. Defines verbal skills used in the approach. Provides selected interview segments adapted from an interview with a reluctant client. (Author)

Compares the effect of cooperative and competitive behaviors of Cherokee and Anglo American elementary school students on academic achievement. Suggests changes in teaching techniques and lesson organization that might raise academic achievement while taking into consideration tribal traditions that limit scholastic achievement in an…

Summarizes a seminar discussion on teaching composition skills to elementary school students. (MP)

Reviewing empirical and theoretical literature about sharing behavior, this article suggests practical methods for implementing instruction on moral behavior in the elementary school. Examples of instruction that are compatible with existing curriculum goals are presented and special attention is given to clarifying the role of the teacher.…

Argues that children can learn to care for others as well as for themselves if they are provided with appropriate opportunities. (MP)

Take younger kids on bigger trips and integrate living and learning skills. (Editor)

Discusses the use of drill in learning basic math facts and provides suggestions for developing good practice in reading for communication at fifth grade and beyond. (Author/RK)

Concrete materials lead young students to abstract conclusions. (Editor)

Presents poetry activities to help students develop two important skills--comparing elements and decoding compound words. The first activity has students unravel a list poem and put one together. The second has students explore compound words within a poem. A reproducible list poem is included. (SM)

Describes an 8-week study on sixth-grade students (n=23) to determine the effect of personalizing word problems on students' motivation and ability to write correct mathematical expressions. Data from weekly quizzes and student attitude surveys revealed student motivation and achievement were both enhanced. (MKP)

Describes how one urban elementary school turned itself around to become one of the best in the country by using handwriting as a common focus. The emphasis on handwriting served as a springboard for student achievement across the curriculum. A sidebar presents "Diagnosis through Handwriting," a guide to detecting children's allergic reactions.…

Fitness runs are planned activities that make running more interesting. The paper outlines five types of fitness runs, all of which can be modified to conform to different facilities, age groups, or available time. The activities have students playing detective, playing cards, deciphering words, learning about calories, and playing wolf. (SM)

Pullout pages provide suggestions for teaching elementary students at all levels about the wonders of human ingenuity. The suggestions help students see that great ideas come from the need to solve real-life problems and that one great idea leads to another, so current inventions help predict future inventions. (SM)

Presents a group of 21 innovative science activities from teachers nationwide designed to sharpen elementary students knowledge of science. The article is part of a package of 100 creative ideas for keeping elementary students enthused about learning in language arts, science, social studies, and math. (SM)

Describes several product-testing projects designed to help students develop the skills they need to make educated purchases and be savvy consumers. The tests involve examining the taste of and ingredients in cold cereals. Other tests involve examining crayons, glue, laundry detergent, oranges, and popcorn. (SM)