In response to Texas State Board of Education Rules for Curriculum, which stipulate that instruction shall be provided in the essential elements of art, music, and theatre in prekindergarten through grade six, this guide offers suggestions to assist schools with initial implementation of the theatre arts curriculum. The first section of the guide, the introductory overview, includes the rationale for educational theatre, and covers (1) values and goals of educational theatre, (2) elements of creative drama, (3) a creative drama lesson, (4) evaluation and replaying, (5) teacher side-coaching and playing in role, (6) theatre appreciation, (7) linkage with other subjects, (8) assessment, (9) teacher qualifications, (10) inservice for classroom teachers, and (11) resource information. This is followed by a chart of the essential elements of a fine arts/theatre arts program, definitions of theatre terms, a sample theatre arts lesson plan outline, one method of assessment, the elements of theatre appreciation (theatre conventions, audience etiquette, and study guides), characteristics of a quality theatre arts program in the elementary school, a bibliography, a list of stories to dramatize, and the American Theatre Association policy on theatre in elementary education. (HOD)