Though classroom time is an adventure of its own, it is when working with the Carlisle High School Shakespeare Troupe, an extracurricular acting company, that the author most consistently and happily experiences this illusion of indefinite time. She has been working steadily with the troupe since the fall of 1984, and the troupe has produced a…

As teacher-facilitators, Joseph M. Shosh and Jennifer A. Wescoe emphasize the educational value of theater. To promote student leadership of a production, students audition for roles on and off stage and contribute to the technical aspects of the production through "crew days," from which they build community and develop a sense of respect for the…

A former high school teacher's reflections on the connections between basketball and poetry suggest the significance of extracurricular activities for teachers and students. W. Douglas Baker recounts how he guided students to make connections among "the collision of activities in their lives" by delving into the practices and discourses of three…

In this article, the author discusses how to consolidate schools where enrollment have dropped significantly. In addition to financial concerns, effective and developmentally appropriate curriculum choices are important. The author states that the "core" academic courses must be offered no matter the configuration of the schools, but…

Describes a program of half-hour, lunch period, dramatic productions staged by high school students. (DD)

Describes successes encountered in teaching and sponsoring a school newspaper, and encourages others to sponsor school papers despite the pressures operating against such publications. (DD)

One of the most important educational objectives of high school is to teach critical-thinking skills, and no class does this better than strategic debate. Professor Mike Allen, lead author in a definitive study on debate and critical thinking, lauded debate's promotion of critical-thinking skills. Additionally, researcher Joe Bellon discusses the…

Discusses the challenges of sponsoring extracurricular drama activities from the planning of a theatre season to the supervision of acting. Suggests changes to make the job more manageable. Makes a case for why dramatic productions are especially effective vehicles of education. (TB)

Suggests that extracurricular activities have come about in part to appease the guilt of English teachers who, though in love with language, have had to do horrible things to it to meet institutional needs. Reviews the redeeming qualities of student newspapers and drama projects. (TB)

Summer book groups enhance and sustain student literacy behaviors over the break, making available an enjoyable social forum for critical-thinking and critical-reading practices to occur naturally. Significantly, the book groups grant faculty and students an informal space to connect meaningfully through reflective discussion of texts. Because…

Describes a memorable year in the life of a high school drama coach and his 17-member acting troupe. (RBW)

Explains how a teacher and her students started a literary magazine as an extracurricular activity. Notes that, after receiving an overwhelming number of submissions, they put together a product that won recognition at the National Council of Teachers of English contest. Contains statements from six students on various aspects of production. (TB)

Argues that participation in high school forensic activities can change students' lives. Maintains that the activity teaches lessons about language and communication that go beyond what can be learned in the classroom. Explains the benefits of forensics to teachers and how interested teachers can prepare themselves to become involved. (TB)

In this article, several teachers share their ideas on what they enjoy about coaching, directing, or advising. One of them, Mary Ann Yedinak, teaches middle school language arts, has a family, and has several partially written books still stored on her computer. However, she still wants to add an extracurricular activity such as Drama Club to her…

Maintains that while extracurricular sponsorship is psychologically draining, advising yearbooks and drama rekindle the spirit and feed the malnourished soul. Reviews specific benefits of extracurricular activities to the sponsoring teacher. Offers a brief look at the future of sponsorship and extracurricular activities. (TB)