Considers how educators from different disciplines create semiotic cycles of inquiry where teachers learn about the arts and through the arts. Believes that their students had to experience cycles of inquiry wherein they learned about the arts and through the arts, and that they needed to see teachers of different disciplines collaborate. Argues…

Explores curricular ways to empower students in their learning by creating opportunities for leadership and group collaboration. Contends that drama, particularly role drama, provides opportunities for students to step outside the classroom and investigate imaginary and real worlds of power, responsibility, issues, relationships, and community.…

Encourages music teachers to make allies of classroom teachers in order to use their influence to build positive student attitude toward music. Provides concrete suggestions for establishing rapport with classroom teachers and gaining their support for the music program. (LS)

Describes one teacher's use of traditional wooden blocks in fifth-grade curriculum. Notes that use of blocks can teach communication, teamwork, precision, and arithmetic concepts. Also describes four easy classroom block projects. (TM)

Reports likely questions and criticisms of teachers and parent groups about whole language instruction. Provides responses that may be given by those who feel challenged to defend their practice as whole language teachers. (BAC)

Presents conference strategies designed to include primary students and show them that their opinions matter. Teachers must create a good atmosphere, let the children describe their classroom performance, let the parents discuss their children's performance, then devise a group plan of action. Teacher tips for creative conferencing are included.…

A collection of back-to-school ideas helps elementary school teachers facilitate their students' adjustment to new class environments with across-the-curriculum activities. The suggestions focus on getting acquainted, learning class rules, discussing topics of study, building self-esteem, working with parents, learning cooperatively, thinking…

Illustrates the development of new roles for university faculty and classrooms. Describes a year-long book club project in which teachers and university collaborators accepted multiple and changing roles. Outlines research tracking the book club program. Clarifies the benefits of such collaborative efforts. (HB)

Explains the ramifications of connections between Michigan and Ontario, Canada over time. Focuses on six themes: (1) the Indian earth; (2) the arrival of Europeans; (3) the creation of the political boundary; (4) the problems of the nineteenth century; (5) the significance of the automobile; and (6) the current situation. (DB)

Introduces an interdisciplinary project called Learning Chemistry through Science Literature and Technology that involves the collaboration of a high school and an elementary school in Florida. Groups of elementary and high schools students produced science storybooks by using technology to record on CDs. (YDS)

Recommends engaging students, including English language learners who do not have enough English proficiency, for a better understanding of scientific knowledge. Presents the case of three immigrant students involved in laboratory activities. Provides information on how to incorporate personal narratives into teaching. Explains using strategies…

Describes how, at a school in Texas, Shakespeare becomes a teaching vehicle for learning-disabled students as they engage in a year-long class that studies Shakespeare and his times, as well as produce an entire play. Argues that the experience works so successfully because it is student-centered, collaborative, and experiential. (SR)

This sourcebook is designed to provide prototype materials on world issues suitable for adaptation to national and regional needs. Materials can also be adapted for many curriculum subjects at levels ranging from kindergarten to grade 12. A total of 26 units are organized into five sections. Following a foreword, introduction, and guidelines, a…

This activity guide accompanies a video designed to provide creative and engaging lessons to supplement classroom drug and violence prevention efforts. The materials are built around the excitement and motivating lessons and themes of the Olympic Games. The activity guide contains seven sections: (1) "Introduction"; (2) "Building Resiliency"; (3)…

This user guide is part of a multimedia unit using an interdisciplinary approach with hands-on learning to motivate children to participate actively in their schools and local communities, and to experience the democratic process. This unit focuses on the concept of how people living in different neighborhoods and communities work together. Unit…