In an interview, Reggie Jackson, baseball superstar, gives children advice on getting beyond first base in school this year. (CM)

Whether it is volcanoes or video games, teachers know that when children enjoy a subject, they are far more motivated to take charge of their education. What teachers are learning now is that offering high interest topics may be less important than offering kids challenging tasks--new problems to solve--that tap into the way children's brains are…

Can magazine or newspaper pictures be used as effectively as cartoons to motivate pupils to write? Author answered that question from a reader in an extension of his January article in this journal. (Editor/RK)

This article presents ideas for turning elementary-level nonreaders into readers. Activities include teachers'"all-about-me letters" to gain insight into students' interests, and interviewing students to document their use of reading strategies. A reading strategy record sheet for the student interviews is included. (SM)