Describes how one teacher got elementary students excited about writing poetry by providing them with simple rules and structures and encouraging them to take chances. Strategies included having each child contribute one line to a poem, discouraging rhyming (which is difficult and blocks creativity), encouraging them to write freely, and having…

Middle school teacher describes a framework that gives inexperienced, anxious writers the confidence to write. The process, called doing prompts, stems from analyzing prompts or writing assignments that outline the topic for a piece of writing. The process involves analyzing the prompt being called for, completing a graphic organizer, composing…

Describes how teachers can make writing an important part of everyday life within the school community by: conferring with students about purpose and audience; elevating genres particular to schools; designing community service assignments; expecting that artwork will be accompanied by text; weaving writing into student government; creating…

Discusses the use of the seminar approach in elementary classrooms. Makes practical suggestions for implementation and outlines areas in which teachers need administrative support. Includes an interview with a sixth-grade teacher who has been using the method for two years. (FMW)

Discusses teacher training in science available from local science museums for elementary school teachers. Includes a list of science museums offering instructional products and services. (FMW)

Describes the use of popular science fiction films in high school and college science courses. Holds that young persons' fascination with science fiction can serve as a takeoff point for serious discussion of principles of physics and biology, in particular. (GC)

Presents vignettes from high school classrooms which illustrate teaching problems related to limited time, discipline, bureaucratic tasks, and nonacademic interruptions. Holds that successful teaching consists of a combinaion of careful plannng, daily educational goals, proper pacing, love of the subject matter, and respect for the students. (GC)

The learning and practice of parliamentary skills provide students with experience of this country's democratic philosophy. Students learn that participation in democratic decision making means knowing both how to fight for your beliefs and how to be a good loser. Finally, parliamentary skills provide students with a tool for effective…

Accuses the National Education Association (NEA) of encouraging its teacher-members to indoctrinate children on the benefits of a nuclear freeze. Holds that a new study guide, produced by the Union of Concerned Scientists in conjunction with the NEA, is political propaganda. (GC)

A study by Yanouzas and Sanders shows that positive feedback works sometimes and with some students. Such feedback, however, should be personalized and should not be automatic, i.e., either unwarranted or inexplicitly related to the student's work. (GC)

Through literature, songs, and other media, this section covers a range of themes relating to loyalty, including patriotism, obedience, fidelity, and school spirit. (Author/GC)

Presents pictures, excerpts from literary works, and newspaper articles that deal with courageous acts by individuals. Also provides a bibliography of resources for teaching about courage. (GC)

Since teaching is a creative endeavor, there are no infallible guides to success. Good instruction, however, typically involves four elements: motivation, organization, clarification, and generalization. Furthermore, a great teacher is one who projects a vision of excellence. (Author/GC)

Students can develop valuable research skills and learn about our political process by obtaining campaign finance reports filed by all candidates in federal elections. Other statistics and information available from the Federal Election Commission are also valuable learning tools. (Author/GC)

Discusses the difference between sentimentality and compassion and provides various literary excerpts, drawings, photographs, and a list of additional resources that can be used in the classroom to develop compassion among students. (GC)