Every teacher hits a patch where each day seems to bring the same struggles, sometimes with the same kids, sometimes with different ones. At these moments, teachers may feel like everything is about to derail. How they cope with these behavioral problems, especially at the start of the year, can set the tone for success or failure in the months…

The classroom built around freedom and creativity does need a structure to make it work. It is the teacher's role to establish rules and routines for the use of specific classroom materials and the timing and location of certain activities. (Author/NL)

Describes ways in which new teachers, who are afraid to discipline, can control classroom behavior and achieve a balance between individual development and a structured environment. (NL)

The author suggests that an informed, optimistic approach can bring new confidence to the epileptic child in the classroom. Types of seizures are described, as are positive techniques and approaches which would be advantageous for the teacher to adopt. (KC)

Several ways teachers can nurture elementary learners include helping students become responsible, validating feelings and opinions, helping students strive for their own excellence, guiding behavior through questions and suggestions, reducing rivalries, and tuning in to children's needs, interests, and abilities. (SM)

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,…

This article offers advice to the classroom teacher for dealing with a child subject to explosive temper tantrums. It discusses why such outbursts may occur; gives a sequence for controlling the tantrum and calming the child; and considers long-term methods for helping the child curb anger and aggression. (SJL)

Presents ideas to help teachers make one-computer classrooms work. Suggestions include making sure the teacher masters the computer, managing computer time, using keyboarding strategies (such as photocopied keyboards for practice), and using time-saving techniques (e.g., previewing programs, pooling resources, and treating computers with care).…

This article, directed to the classroom teacher, provides background information on stuttering and suggests ways that the teacher can alleviate the stuttering child's anxiety and restore his confidence in his ability to communicate effectively. (Author/SJL)

This article focuses on the growing segment of teachers who consider themselves teacher researchers. A brief summary is given of how four teachers put research to work in their classrooms. Suggestions on how to be a better teacher researcher and a list of references and resources are given. (IAH)

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)

Two plans for classroom management are included under this topic: "Nine Ways Kids Need You and How You Can Manage to Meet those Needs" by Marva T. Dixon and "Routine Ways to Better Your Teaching" by Jane Bluestein. (JMK)

Provides suggestions on how teachers can best manage their classrooms, how they can plan more effective lessons, a few simple procedures for fostering creative thinking and the art of imagining in their students, a look at student behavior, and some tips for keeping track of student skills. (Editor/RK)

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)

Presents six suggestions on how teachers can help students cope with the Persian Gulf crisis, as well as information on additional resources and a list of organizations and activities that provide an outlet for students' anxiety. (SM)