Written expressly for preschool teachers, this engaging book explains the "whats," "whys," and "how-tos" of implementing best practices for instruction in the preschool classroom. The authors show how to target key areas of language and literacy development across the entire school day, including whole-group and small-group activities, center…

Teachers are required to provide appropriate science instruction to all students, including children with special needs. However, educators are often left on their own to figure out how to effectively differentiate lessons and activities. This timely, practical guidebook shows general and special educators how to retool science activities and…

Students, including advanced students, often lack the knowledge, confidence, and experience to participate effectively in competitive, bartering, or conflict situations. The concept that influencing skills are not limited to those in authority and can be learned comprises the framework for this teaching activity. The credible and adaptable…

The objective of the exercise described here is to teach students about group formation using group concepts and theory. It also provides a unique way to form work groups for class projects. Students will become more aware of the reasons people join groups, the benefits groups provide for them, and an understanding of how groups are formed. The…

Project-Based Learning (PBL) connects standards-based content to real-world scenarios through the use of projects to improve student achievement. By engaging students in authentic problems that do not have a predetermined solution, students learn both subject matter and critical 21st-century skills. This "Focus On" addresses what…

Online learning has enjoyed increasing popularity in gerontology. This paper presents instructional strategies grounded in Fink's (2003) theory of significant learning designed for the completely asynchronous online gerontology classroom. It links these components with the development of mastery learning goals and provides specific guidelines for…

Spinoffs of the traditional peer tutoring approach have been successful in individualizing classroom instruction of learning disabled (LD) elementary students. In the peer trio technique, groups of three LD or slow learning students work together on tasks and on making their own games. The approach teaches cooperation and increases motivation. (CL)

Suggests the use of toys to help children learn to use prepositions. Also describes a group activity in which children work together to punctuate a piece of writing. (TJ)

An adventure consultant shares lessons about creativity. Steps to being creative are: look for connections; be willing to experiment and fail; be open-minded and seek input from others; and practice, practice, practice. Examples of different versions of an adventure activity illustrate several creative techniques. The impact of time deadlines on…

Presents six games (most for all ages) used in adventure and experiential settings. Includes target group, group size, time and space needs, activity level, overview, props, instructions, variations, and tips for processing the experience, where appropriate. The games are icebreakers, promote teamwork and social skills, or help groups to focus.…

Presents a geometric discovery involving the use of a trapezoid as a base for a pyramid. Includes reproducible student worksheet to be used as a group-discovery exercise. (MKR)

Details instructions for four cooperative games primarily for young children. The games are of low to moderate activity level and involve partners or a group circle. Descriptions include variations of the game and helpful hints for making the game more successful. (KS)

Presents five strategies to help school social workers form groups during school hours. Advantages and disadvantages of each strategy are discussed, as well as how the formation of the group influences the nature of the group work. (Author/GCP)

One of the major purposes of many intercultural communication textbooks is to help students recognize, accept, and appreciate cultural differences. However, one often lacks the necessary motivation to get to know and learn about individuals of a different cultural heritage. Thus, misunderstanding, stereotyping, prejudice, or even racism may…

This book is a guide to activities appropriate for any type of arts and crafts program including those for camps, youth and adult groups, and outdoor education. Information concerning each craft is presented in a step by step format. Specific projects list the needed equipment and materials and have simple instructions and clear illustrations. The…