The videotape "Central American Children Speak: Our Lives and Dreams" begins and ends in a U.S. classroom where students are studying Central America. The video, which was designed to help children gain a basic understanding of one another, follows seven Central American children through a typical day of school, work, and play. Their stories provide a glimpse into the lives of the poor, who form a majority in Guatemala and Nicaragua. The study guide was developed for use in a variety of grades and classroom situations. It also provides suggestions for preparatory activities, including vocabulary building, map exercises, and ways to discuss cultural stereotypes. Ten exercises are presented for use after students see the video, and activities are outlined that involve games and sports, weaving and designs, painting murals, and music. The detailed stories of the children in the video are presented, and a timeline of the region's history, maps of Nicaragua and Guatemala, the United Nations statement on Rights of the Child, and a list of 18 recommended resources are attached. (SLD)