Inquiry-based learning is about more than moving desks out of those neat rows and avoiding lecture and recitation, says the author in his newest book, "Engaging Readers & Writers With Inquiry". It is about turning the way teachers teach upside down and inside out by asking students the big questions and letting them find their own way to the…

This article presents several punctuation activities that help students practice dialogue-writing skills. Teachers can help their students become intrepid reporters by providing them with story ideas or by inviting them to develop their own "scoops." In addition, comic strips can also be used for dialogue-writing practice.

Presents a program developed by three elementary school guidance counselors aimed at promoting student responsibility and respect in the classroom. (JMB)

The winners of the 2005 State Teachers of the Year recently talked about their views on closing the achievement gap, the state of the profession, and what "really" works in the classroom. This article presents the views of these teachers namely Heidi Louise Capraro, Stanley Murphy, Vicki Lynn Goldsmith, Karen Heath, Kimberly Babeu, Jason Kampras,…

Maintaining a high "synergy" classroom, when the total effect of the people in an environment seems to be greater than the sum of the effort of the individuals, requires a commitment to a cooperative learning environment and hard work. Here are some learning activities designed to provide students with "synergy" all year long. (Author/RK)

Children learn science concepts when they are provided with real-life experiments and problems to solve. Three top elementary school science programs that allow students to hypothesize, discover, and evaluate are discussed. (DF)

Article describes how elementary teachers can create a writing workshop environment that encourages students to write. It discusses how to set the tone and conduct effective conferences. It suggests teachers act as facilitators and listeners and establish workshop procedures. It recommends teachers initially ignore errors and respond to content.…

Flexible classroom arrangements can help teachers teach to every child's learning style. Research findings have shown that many traditional notions about how students learn are incorrect. Suggestions for improving classroom practices and resources to help teachers in this process are offered. (DF)

Presented are vignettes about six special children and how they were helped by their teachers. The children's problems included physical handicaps, learning disabilities, and interpersonal/emotional difficulties. (SJL)

With the increasing presence of computers in the elementary school classroom, it becomes necessary that students know how to type. This article offers beginning typing lessons and games that teachers can use with their students. Particular typing and touch typing software available are also discussed. (JMK)

The reasons some children struggle with reading are as varied as the children themselves. From trouble decoding words to problems retaining information, reading difficulties are complex. All kids, says the International Reading Association, "have a right to instruction designed with their specific needs in mind." The question is how to identify…

Discusses how teachers can intervene to help elementary students make thoughtful decisions about their writing topics, noting that advocating student choice does not mean abdicating the role as classroom manager. The article describes choices that writers make and explains how to handle difficult situations. (SM)

Offers eight projects and activities designed to make elementary students wiser television viewers and better thinkers. The activities help students get more out of television, determine what is questionable, and develop visual literacy and thinking skills. Children become active consumers of television and other visual media. (SM)

Folklore offers a multitude of instructional possibilities for the elementary classroom. Students learn about other cultures, develop their imaginations, explore customs, discuss common problems, and heighten their sense of language. Several folktales and classroom resources are offered for teacher use. (DF)

Teachers can give their non-English-speaking children the extra help they need by using a set of students (buddies) who can help the new student with vocabulary, reading, writing, spelling, and listening skills. Included are ways to orient these "buddies" and ways to demonstrate particularly useful teaching techniques. (JMK)