The authors provide tips for creating pleasing bulletin boards for the elementary classroom. Mood, lettering, materials, and design are considered. In addition, they suggest ideas for a thematic bulletin board for each month of the school year. (SJL)

"Teachers Express" (formerly titled "Bright Ideas") is a regular feature carried by the "Instructor" magazine and is designed for the in-a-hurry elementary classroom teacher who likes to stash a few good ideas away before an occasion demands one. These quick tips submitted by teachers are intended to spark interest,…

The author suggests that an informed, optimistic approach can bring new confidence to the epileptic child in the classroom. Types of seizures are described, as are positive techniques and approaches which would be advantageous for the teacher to adopt. (KC)

Ideas are presented for the creation of various puppets which can be used to teach different topics in the elementary school classroom. A song and ideas for stages for puppet shows and a "puppet corner" are also included. (CJ)

Outlines a step-by-step plan from individual assessment to program evaluation for a total enrichment program which is designed to nurture the gifts and talents of every school child and can be implemented in the regular classroom setting. (RH)

A children's book author describes how to help students blend bookmaking techniques and the writing process to create a classroom hardback library full of unique publications. The project requires inexpensive, easily accessible materials and results in impressive finished products. (SM)

Described are 16 rainy day activities which can be played in the classroom or adapted to the outdoors when the rain clears. The material for this article was taken from the book "Galaxy of Games, Stunts, and Activities for Elementary Physical Education." (KC)

Examines the use of computers, strategies for using packaged software and the use of multimedia in the elementary school classroom. Information on telecommunication software and examples of its use are also provided. The article includes addresses and phone numbers for acquiring product information. (GLR)

Presented are 38 spelling activities which can be prepared for independent study. For those activities involving specific classroom tools and materials, these materials may be placed in a shoe box with directions for the activity stapled to the top of the box. (KC)

The use of invertebrates as classroom "pets" can develop students' skills in scientific inquiry and instill respect for science. Few materials are needed for projects involving invertebrates. Suggested activities using snails, crickets, earthworms, crayfish, and guppies are offered. (DF)

Designed for elementary school teachers, this article describes the recent eruptions of Mt. St. Helens, provides basic information on volcanos, and gives instructions for making a model volcano in the classroom. Resource materials for students and teachers on volcanos are listed. (SJL)

Presents suggestions for using math performance assessments in elementary classrooms to help students develop mathematical thinking skills. The article lists National Council of Teachers of Mathematics evaluation standards for mathematics assessment and describes a number of problem-solving activities for students. (SM)

Presents tips and a checklist to help primary teachers prepare for a new school year. Suggests that in August the teacher should prepare the classroom, decide on the schedule and class rules, meet parents, and prepare a teaching plan for the first day of school. (SJL)

Student misbehavior problems in the classroom today cover a wide spectrum. Ways to deal with and help hostile-aggressive, passive-aggressive, and withdrawn failure-image students are described. A case study of a teacher's dealing with a hostile student is presented. (CJ)

In conjunction with National Children's Book Week, this article provides activities to motivate children's reading; descriptions of some unusual elementary reading programs; ideas for creating book clubs and reading corners in the classroom; a children's literature quiz; and Allan Yeager's annotated list of the best children's books of this…