A classroom technique, the "Educational Lure" provides activities for the preschool child to "cruise, choose, explore, and learn." The "lure" consists of an object or collection of objects brought into the school, usually by the teacher. It may be made up of generally unfamiliar objects, familiar objects rarely talked about, or familiar objects grouped in specific ways to stimulate interest and discussion of perceptual and conceptual aspects. As a child cruises for an activity, the choice to explore a lure demonstrates "ownership" of an interest. This is essential to the concept of the lure, for the child will choose only those opportunities and resources relevant to his/her own tendencies, preferences or patterns of expression. The teacher who sets up a lure must recognize that it is only an invitation. The teacher's goal is to help the child become aware of the many characteristics of each object that are part of the lure by asking open and closed questions. In the process the teacher becomes aware of two instructional functions: appraisal of children's abilities and fostering the extension of skills. For the student teacher who is learning new techniques, the lure helps to develop dialogues that facilitate children's learning through talk. (RH)