In this article, the author shares the story about her son who has advanced intellectual ability and how she used science to motivate him. She says for advanced learners, the study of science encourages them to ask those deep questions without feeling as though they are out of step with their peers. Parents can support their children's natural…

Describes a contest in which students competed for book prizes. (FL)

This booklet provides a multi-curriculum collection of ideas and activities designed to improve the study skills of students in kindergarten through sixth grade. This collection of ideas and activities may be used to supplement learning activities in any classroom, and many of the booklet's pages may be duplicated for parent or student use.…

This booklet provides a general blueprint to guide the overall process of teaching a student to be motivated to achieve and offers specific ideas for those concerned with promoting self-motivated behavior among students. Part one discusses teaching and learning self-motivation concepts and principles. These topics are covered: motivation as a…

Independent study is an instructional approach that can have enormous power in the classroom. It can be used successfully with students at all ability levels, even though it is often associated with gifted students. Independent study is an opportunity for students to study a subject of their own choosing under the guidance of a teacher. The…

This review of research on motivation and self-perception in gifted students looks at the interaction of motivation with self-perception; effective practices in classrooms and homes for developing children's potential, motivation, and self-esteem; and implications for teachers and parents of gifted and talented children. (DB)

Argues that reading aloud to teenagers can provide some of the same benefits that lap reading gives to younger children. (FL)

Asserts that, although music teachers direct a great deal of time toward improving student recruitment, improving student retention in music courses and activities is just as important. Maintains that student interest in music rises dramatically in the first few weeks of instruction and then declines in a second stage. (CFR)

This book is a guide to reclaiming students' passionate engagement in learning. It uses stories from classrooms; the voices of teachers, parents, and students; and practical suggestions to advocate a view of curriculum as a web of relationships. There are 16 chapters in four parts. Part 1, "The Promise of Passionate Learning," includes…

Techniques for making geography more relevant to elementary students are discussed. For example, the abstract ideas of latitude and longitude can be taught by having students "live" a grid system, i.e., evenly spaced letters and numerals posted on the classroom walls. An interdisciplinary approach is needed. (RM)

Stresses the crucial role that parents play in improving student motivation and achievement in school. Sees the parent-teacher conference as an invaluable tool for involving parents in their children's education and winning community support for public schools. Advises how to conduct a productive parent-teacher conference. (CH)

This guide explains the philosophy of "learner-centered schools." The term holds a variety of meanings for educators, such as the use of learning centers for a theme, topic, or subject area, alternative assessments in which students are evaluated in innovative ways, or continuous progress models with integrated thematic instruction and…

Intended for teachers, librarians, and reading specialisits, the articles in this collection of essays address the problem of how to determine, capture, and then maintain children's interest in the reading process. Preceded by biographical information on the contributors and a brief introduction, the essays have been placed into one of four major…