Argues that the use of a third classroom goal structure--cooperation--supplemented by appropriate competition and individualization can contribute substantially to the preparation of graduates who are both technically skillful and interpersonally competent. (JOW)

Discusses how to design a thematic children's literature unit with trade books. Highlights include theme versus topic; benefits of thematic units, including analyzing, synthesizing, and evaluating; opportunities for higher level thinking; sequencing the titles; determining key discussion questions; and culminating the unit. (LRW)

Outlines the model of the ABCs of Cultural Understanding and Communication, in which students write autobiographies, biographies, and cross-cultural analyses. Notes that the ABCs offers each participant the opportunity to collaborate with others, engage in critical inquiry, and enhance communication skills while learning to respect the varied…

Makes recommendations to help students collaborate with classmates to make decisions, grapple with problems, reflect on ethical dilemmas, and maintain relations with customers or business partners to develop social skills and flourish self-esteem. (KHR)

Describes a science learning program sponsored by the State University of New York College (SUNY) at Geneseo which brings together elementary students, parents, and university students and faculty for an evening of fun, meaningful science experiments, demonstrations, and activities. Includes sample activities. (KHR)

Provides suggestions for organizing online educational projects. Topics include choosing curriculum-based goals; choosing an activity structure, including interpersonal exchanges, information collections, and problem-solving projects; exploring examples of other online projects; determining details; inviting telecollaborators; effective online…

Discusses successful cooperative relationship between school staff and firefighters to bring fire safety education to elementary school students with visits, presentations, contests, and a day-long Fire Expo held each year. (ET)

Describes a project undertaken by the biology department at Ursaline College in Ohio to provide science teachers at local Catholic elementary schools with consultation/class visits. Provides tips for teachers of elementary school science, such as establish classes for young children, surprise students, and search for relevance. (BCY)

Differences in educational practice and culture of a British distance university and Australian traditional university are the basis for analysis of curriculum development methods. It is proposed that, although generally individual faculty design new courses, there are good reasons (efficiency, cohesiveness, professional development, academic…

Describes a joint effort in a school/university partnership to develop, implement, and evaluate a literature-based approach to sixth grade social studies. Discusses theory and rationale; designing the unit; addressing prior knowledge; think sheets; head, hand, and heart of citizenship; developing personal responses; and program effectiveness. (SR)

Describes how one English teacher developed a personal relationship with a student needing transportation to participate in a school play. Discusses the issue of breaking rules in such circumstances. Advocates courage to break rules in some cases. (HB)

Elementary teachers from four schools nationwide describe how they partner with parent volunteers to enhance education through special projects, yearly events, and schoolwide programs. The activities address self-esteem, family-centered science, geography, and parent learning. (SM)

Describes a class exercise in which student teams answer questions about meetings, after which the class discusses and analyzes results. Shows how this leads students to understand how the interplay of ideas, personalities, and environment--the ecology--of a meeting contributes to productivity in group process, and understand the need to…

Addresses behavior problems commonly encountered in classroom management. Discusses concerns such as getting children to listen, making classroom rules, controlling an out-of-control child, getting children to share, using stickers, alleviating conflicts between parents and teachers' style and practice, solving transition time problems, addressing…

Two activities help elementary teachers prove to their students' parents that spelling is a priority. Show Growth with Samples and Glean Useful Information from Student Drafts let teachers get to know students independently as spellers and communicate that knowledge to parents. A tear-out sheet for parents explains how to help children become…