Board games parents may use to improve their child's basic skills in reading, math, spelling, and reasoning are reviewed. The article describes eight games along with suggestions about how each game may be used to improve skills. Suggested ages and manufacturer of each game are listed. (JL)

Predicting and questioning are two of the most important skills that children can use to achieve reading proficiency. Strategies are suggested that teachers can use to help children develop these skills. Appropriate reading materials and questioning techniques are discussed. (PP)

A teacher describes activities sparked by the cycles of nature, "round trips," which become evident in autumn. This round trips concept is used to teach sequencing skills in reading, to hone observation skills in creative writing, and to spark interest in animal behavior. A reproducible story-writing sheet is included. (IAH)

Presents a computer-assisted activity that helps students discover the importance of choosing words carefully. With a word processing program, small groups of students prepare creative, fill-in-the-blank challenges in which classmates must replace missing adjectives or verbs. (SM)

Elementary teachers offer their ideas for enhancing the final days of school. They help students review material, highlight achievements, fill spare time, and create summer plans. Suggestions include making class diplomas, producing action news, making friendship trees, writing letters to their future selves, and preparing summer activity guides.…

Critical thinking skills that can be applied to reading can be developed through means other than reading. Teachers can launch class discussions of popular films, such as "E.T.," to nurture these skills, a technique especially helpful for children who have difficulty with the printed word. (PP)

Teaching about reading and writing should be flip sides of the same coin. Writing reinforces and develops skills traditionally thought of as reading skills. (PP)

Children's magazines are a colorful supplement that can capture the interest of the most reluctant readers. Providing students with magazines geared to their interests and ages can help motivate them to read. The article describes several activities for making the best use of magazines in reading. (SM)

A series of articles provides suggestions on using classroom libraries. One article suggests filling the library with genre books to inspire critical reading, critical thinking, and learning across the curriculum (folktales, fairy tales, tall tales, historical fiction, biographies, and autobiographies). Another article presents information on…

Describes how to use portfolios to track elementary students' reading and writing progress, offering teacher-to-teacher tips on the most effective use of portfolios in the classroom. The article discusses student self-evaluation through portfolios, reading- and writing-portfolio conferences, and teachers as learners. (SM)

When Boston, Massachusetts teachers objected to a reading subskills management curriculum adopted by the city, a new elementary school curriculum was developed that emphasized broad general objectives at each level and reading comprehension. Teacher input played an important role in the curriculum effort. (PP)

Presents a collection of elementary level activities to teach students about Thomas Jefferson. The activities have students walk around in Jefferson's shoes, learning about his home and family life, reading habits, journal writing, letter writing, political writing, architectural experience, political activities, and accomplishments. (SM)

A Brooklyn (NY) district superintendent rebuts arguments against the Chicago Mastery Learning Reading (CMLR) program that appeared in an article in Learning (November 1982). Based on his district's experience with CMLR, the superintendent points to improved reading scores, teacher enthusiasm, and renewed student interest in reading as indications…

Presents a group of 31 innovative language arts activities from teachers nationwide designed to inspire elementary students to become eager writers and editors. The article is part of a package of 100 creative ideas for keeping students enthused about learning in language arts, science, math, and social studies. (SM)

The article describes what electronic books are, notes how easy they are to use, and explains why teachers might consider using electronic books to motivate their students in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. (SM)