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Top Teacher Ties History to Current Events
By tying the lessons of history to the issues of the day, Deirdra Grode, a seventh-and eighth-grade social studies and language arts teacher at Hoboken Charter School in Hoboken, New Jersey, is teaching her students to be analytical and socially aware.
Community Scavenger Hunt Teaches Research Skills, Much More
When armies of students descend on local libraries, it has to be time for the State of Jefferson Scavenger Hunt. The three-day event challenges kids to track down answers to a series of questions. The results include improved research skills, priceless memories.
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Education World provides practical resources for language and literature educators. Click the links below
to find lesson plans, articles about what excellent teachers are doing in their classrooms, and additional
professional development resources.
Teachers earned cash for submitting these classroom-tested lesons:
Education World reviews Web sites to supplement your curriculum. Language arts and literature teachers
might be interested in checking out the reviewed sites below.
Don't miss this special Education World feature. The weekly Writing Bug activity provides a writing prompt
for students. Simply print out the student work sheet and hand it out! Click below for an archive of more
than 50 Writing Bug work sheets.
Search our databases below for more language arts and literature lesson ideas and resources.
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Practical, Hands-On Financial Literacy Lessons
Managing money is not an innate skill, as the high rate of debt in the U.S. shows. Lessons on managing money should be part of a formal education, many believe. Programs like Hands on Banking give students practical lessons in handling their finances.
Hooking Kids on Reading
Despite schools’ focus on reading, many students still are not reading independently or for pleasure. A program developed by a college professor stresses hooking students on reading by introducing them to challenging subject matter that interests them.
"Write" on Target
In its weekly "Teacher Feature," Education World highlights neat activities and classroom practices from educators in all locations and at all levels. Recently, three educators who have enjoyed the spotlight in this feature shared some writing-based activities that they and their students love. From hall graffiti to a winter memoir, these activities will have your students, too, penning with pleasure.
NYC Teachers Recall 9/11
Many New York City teachers on September 11, 2001, had to push aside the average person's concern for self and family and focus on the safety of the frightened children in their classes. A book of teachers' essays relates their bravery and creativity on 9/11 and in the days and weeks after.
From the Land, Of the Land: An Interdisciplinary Lesson on Indigenous Peoples
Energize a geography or language arts lesson with this online activity for grades 7-12. Students research the concept of indigenous people then write a diamante poem about what they've learned. Both the research and the poem creation are done online.
Jet-Setting Pets
In this lesson, K-5 students select a pet and a travel destination, then find four things the pet could do at that Locale. Designed for use with Inspiration/Kidspiration, the lesson can be adapted for use with other programs.
This Bird Can Blog!
Want to improve your students' quality and quantity of writing? Check out this lesson plan for grades 3-5! Students
assume the persona of a real or imagined classroom pet and write a blog describing daily activities in the classroom.
Daily Language Practice Builds Skills, Test Scores
Turn daily language practice into a game, build test scores too. (Grades 3-12)
Biography Brainstorm: Using Word and the Web to Jumpstart Research
Students use Internet resources and Microsoft Word drawing tools to brainstorm (through webbing) questions about a
person they will research and write about.
A Picture's Worth 1000 Words
In this interdisciplinary lesson, K-8 students try to interpret what pictographs -- pictures that symbolize a word
or concept -- really mean. Then they write sentences using their own pictograph system.
EMERGENCY! Testing!
Regina Barreca takes on "teaching to the test."
School-Wide Mail Delivery System Teaches Kids Letter-Writing, Responsibility
In this IM, e-mail age, many children haven't experienced the excitement of getting a hand-written letter. One popular
program, though, allows students to write letters and work in an in-school post office. Included: See how it works,
try it in your school!
What's the Word?
In this activity for grades 3-8, students define 4-5 vocabulary words, use a free online tool to create crossword
puzzles with the words, and then share their puzzles for review.
Author Frank McCourt Reflects on Teaching Career
Frank McCourt began his second career as a writer in a big way, winning the 1996 Pulitzer Prize for his memoir, Angela's
Ashes. But before McCourt was a writer, he spent 30 years as a New York City English teacher, an experience detailed
in his latest book, Teacher Man.
A Lesson in Proofing
Students in middle and high school learn to use Word's Find/Replace feature to check written work, increase accuracy,
and improve their grades. Teachers might want to use the feature too.
Celebrating the U.S. Constitution
September 16 is the day this year for schools and all Americans to honor and study the U.S. Constitution. Louise Leigh,
the founder of Constitution Day, hope lessons give students a new appreciation of their heritage and freedoms.
Teaching Writing on a Computer
Students love seeing their work in print, so why not have them write some of their work on the computer? Walk students
through the basics of typing and saving on a computer.
Building Students' Thinking Skills With a Morning
Announcement Routine
One of our school-wide focuses last year was developing students' critical thinking skills. As teachers planned ways
to accomplish the goal, I knew I wanted to be an active part of the effort. But I wasn't sure how to accomplish that…
until I looked at my bookshelf.
Sites to See: Grammar
Are you looking for ways to spice up your next grammar review? Check out the Web sites below for grammar resources
for students in grades 3-12! Included: A baker's dozen Web sites with hundreds of interactive quizzes, PowerPoint
lectures, fun games, and more!
Will the Leaning Tower Fall?
Students in grades 9-12 research the Tower of Pisa and write a report about its history. They examine the physics
of why the Tower leans and whether it might fall. Finally, they plan a trip to Italy to see the Tower, developing
an itinerary and budget for the trip.
Sites to See: Folktales
Among these comprehensive online resources for K-12 folk tale activities, you'll find online books, writing prompts,
interviews with storytellers, international folk tale exchanges, ideas for units and lesson plans, and much more!
Included: Folk tales from all 50 U.S. states and more than 20 foreign countries.
Kickball, Calisthenics, and Composition?: Writing Fits in with
Phys Ed
Writing assignments are starting to turn up in all kinds of courses -- but in physical education classes? For sure!
While kids get fit, their instructors are using writing to help them focus on the goal of overall fitness. See how
students in your school can exercise their bodies and their writing skills in phys ed!
Using Different Styles to Help Weak Readers
The National Reading Styles Institute (NRSI) trains teachers to help struggling readers by identifying students' learning
styles, and then adapting instruction to those styles. The approach works with older as well as younger students,
according to NRSI executive director, Dr. Marie Carbo.
A Favorite Poem
Students explore a variety of poems, find one poem they feel a particular connection to, and share that poem by reading
it aloud to their classmates. Students then create videos of their readings to share with other classes.
Definition Expedition
Students in grades 9-12 learn three ways to define a term in technical writing, search the Web for scientific text,
then copy and paste sections into a Word document. Finally, they use the highlighter feature of Word to highlight
examples of definitions within the text.
Write a Number Story
Make writing across content areas fun with this K-3 computer activity. Students use AppleWorks (or Office) to write
and illustrate number stories. The stories then are used to create a Keynote or PowerPoint show and displayed for
the class (or parents!) to see and share.
A Call for Scientific Approaches to Reading Instruction
If U.S. children are going to learn to read more quickly and effectively, schools need to use methods that have demonstrated
success and monitor what works for different children, according to Dr. G. Reid Lyon, a research psychologist.
Poetry From Photos: A Lesson on the Great Depression.
Getting information from the Internet often is just a copy and paste operation. The challenge for teachers is to teach
students to apply and extend what they learn online. In this lesson, students view photographs of migrant families
during the Great Depression, try to interpret the photos to answer questions about the subject's life, and then write
a cinquain poem based on their interpretations.
Not Your Mother's Grammar Lesson
If you find diagramming sentences an ordeal to learn and teach, you are not alone. English teacher Les Parsons in
his book Grammarama offers new strategies for teaching grammar that are more engaging for everyone.
PowerPoint Poetry Slam
Make poetry come alive with this English lesson for grades 7-12. In a unique twist to a standard poetry reading, students
select poems, create PowerPoint presentations that use graphics and text to enhance their poems, and then display
those presentations as they read their poems aloud.
How to Write a Five-Paragraph Essay
A new SAT, as well as the mandates of NCLB, make it more imperative than ever that teachers at all grade levels provide
students with increased opportunities to practice and develop their writing skills. Provide that practice for your
students with these step-by-step instructions for planning, outlining, and writing a five-paragraph essay.
Creating ELL-Friendly Classrooms
With the increase of non-English speaking students, teachers are searching for strategies to help them learn and feel
part of the class. Teachers Kathleen Fay and Suzanne Whaley outline ways to help ELL students develop their literacy
skills.
Prehistoric Pen Pals
Students research dinosaurs, then assume the personality of a specific dinosaur species in this lesson for grades
3-5. Each student/dinosaur writes an online "getting to know you" letter to another student/dinosaur in class. Students
swap letters and reply to each other's questions, improving research and letter writing skills while learning fun
dinosaur facts.
The News Behind the (Short) Story
Transform students from passive readers to gritty journalists. In this lesson, students read a short story, then create
a one-page newspaper depicting the facts of the fictional story as real-life events. Included: Links to an online
newspaper template as well as to a classic short story site are included.
Add Literature -- and Life -- to Content Instruction
Max Fischer bemoans his sterilized history text. Were it not for that text, however, he might not have been forced
to "discover" the value of bringing quality literature into his history classroom. Included: Sources of quality literature.
Eek! Comics in the Classroom!
Are you looking for a way to motivate reluctant readers, engage urban youth, develop the comprehension skills of second-language
learners, or teach visual literacy to elementary level students? Have you considered using comics and graphic novels?
Take the Polar Express to Learning
Polar Express, the movie, arrives in movie theaters nationwide on November 10. Don't miss the movie and the opportunity to take advantage of this "teachable moment." Included: Education World connects you to lessons,
resources.
A Spooky Adlib Story
Get creative this Halloween with this adlib activity in which students answer questions on an Excel sheet to create
a silly, spooky story. Besides having fun, students can review basic spreadsheet skills and develop creativity.
The "Art" of Comprehension
If it wasn't for Howard Gardner's multiple-intelligence theory, educator Max Fischer might never have seen how art
can be used to increase student comprehension of content reading material. Included: Ideas for using pictographs,
storyboards, graphic organizers.
The Prop Box: Setting the Stage for Meaningful Play
Dramatic play is an essential mode of learning for young children, and "prop boxes," play materials grouped by theme,
make this activity even more effective. Find out how you can use these educational tools to guide your students toward
meaningful role-playing and creative exploration.
Sites to See: Reading
Reading sites offer a wealth of material both to supplement the reading curriculum and to help parents help their
children at home. Included are book reviews, author information, online books and poems, skill reinforcement, strategies
for teachers -- and enjoyment for all. Included: Nearly 2-dozen great sites.
How Does it End? A Lesson in Creativity
Put students' creative talents to work by having them compose their own endings to a read-aloud story. Students use
drawing software, such as Paint or AppleWorks, to draw, or write and draw, what they want to happen at the end of
the story.
Reaching Out to Illiterate Teens
After third grade, reading is less of a subject and more of a tool, as students begin reading for content. But many
students enter middle and high school without basic reading skills, dooming their academic careers.
Opening the Door: Teaching Students to Use Visualization to Improve
Comprehension
Visualizing text is a proven way to improve reading comprehension. It is a technique that can be taught using this
simple, step-by-step strategy from literacy consultant Cathy Puett Miller. Included: Tips and resources for developing
students' comprehension skills.
Teacher of the Year Aims to Celebrate Teachers, Teaching
National Teacher of the Year Kathy Mellor, an English as a second language teacher in Rhode Island, is eager to spend
her term celebrating teachers and teaching and encouraging school-community partnerships to improve education.
Celebrating Asian and Pacific-Island Heritage
Each May -- during Asian Pacific American Heritage Month -- we recognize the special contributions of people of Asian
and Pacific Islander heritage. The lessons here introduce students to famous Asian Americans and explore their origins
and their literature.
Voice of Experience: Poetry Writing: A Comprehension Tool Across the Curriculum
Educator Max Fischer's most recent Aha! moment came when he let students use poetry to demonstrate their comprehension
of the history curriculum. Now Fischer has one more tool for engaging students, one more tool for his growing "bag
of tricks."
Sites to See: American Literature
American literature sites are devoted to the works, lives, influence, and culture of some of America's most important
authors. Many include digital versions of authors' works, interactive features; primary source documents, publishing
histories, and more. Eighteen sites that are sure to spark your interest -- and that of your students.
A Puzzle A Day Provides Practice That Pays
Puzzles exercise students' critical thinking skills while providing practice in many curriculum areas. Puzzles make
great "bellringer" activities. Introduce a puzzle a day: A puzzle a day provides practice that pays… Included: A year
of puzzles!
Cold Mush: Serving Stories from the Iditarod Trail
Jeffrey M. Peterson of Minnesota, this year's Teacher on the Trail, is eager to experience the Iditarod and to share
his observations and lessons with students around the world.
The Power of Mental Images: Visualizing Literature
Stiles X. Simmons, who teaches at Mann Elementary School in Detroit, Michigan, submitted this week's lesson, in which
students learn and practice a new reading strategy: visualization.
Teaching Grammar Without the Hammer: Five Fun Activities
Learning grammar has been compared to other fun things -- like having teeth pulled or being assigned detention. But
it needn't be a painful experience with these five lessons that teach grammar -- without the hammer!
Strategies That Work: Reading Aloud
The landmark report Becoming a Nation of Readers concluded that reading aloud is "the single most important
activity for…eventual success in reading." Teachers agree, and they offer their thoughts on using read-alouds in classrooms
across the grades.
Family Reading Nights Create Avid Readers
For administrators looking to increase student reading at school and at home and improve parent involvement, family
reading nights have proven successful for many schools. Included: Practical suggestions for initiating a family reading
night program.
Word Wall "Active-ities" Build Vocabulary, Spelling, Writing
Skills
A classroom word wall has many uses. A wide variety of activities and games can be used to reinforce vocabulary words
on the wall -- and to build students' vocabulary, spelling, and writing skills. Included: Teachers share favorite
word wall activities.
Teachers Say Word Walls Work!
Word walls are not just a tool for the primary grades. Teachers across the grades are using them throughout the curriculum.
They find that word walls work -- if teachers work with them. Included: Teachers from grades pre-K to 8 share their
word wall successes.
Reading Response Journals: Writing After Reading Is Revealing!
In an effort to encourage students to think and share more about what they read, some teachers have turned to reading
response journals -- notebooks reserved for writing in response to literature -- and are gaining new insights. Included:
Teacher tips.
Pop Fiction No Match For Classic Literature
Educator Kathleen Modenbach reflects on the growing trend of assigning pop fiction in place of the classics; many
teachers do it to keep students happy. Modenbach suggests that teaching classic literature is worth the extra effort
on students' and teachers' parts.
Celebrate Books: A (Book) Week of Fun!
The calendar might identify November 17-23 as Children's Book Week, but for most teachers -- always on the lookout
for new ideas to promote literacy -- every week is Book Week. Education World offers five new lessons for
a week of reading fun.
Strategies That Work: Journal Writing
Journal writing in the classroom can take many forms and serve many purposes. Whatever the intent or structure, however,
for many teachers journal writing is an integral part of the curriculum. Included: Links to hundreds of journal-writing
prompts.
Strategies That Work: Book Reports
Book reports are a classroom staple; they represent a valuable exercise in literacy development. That doesn't mean
they have to be boring assignments, though. Discover 50 ideas for book report formats that engage students and motivate
them to read more.
Shared Reading: Listening Leads to Fluency and Understanding
Many middle and high school teachers use shared-reading -- an approach to teaching reading that engages students and
makes them better readers. Included: Reading expert Dr. Janet Allen and two teachers offer tips for a successful start
to shared reading.
Breakfast Serials Serve Up Fiction Fun
Concerned that fewer and fewer Americans are reading for pleasure, Avi, a Newbery Award-winning author, founded Breakfast
Serials, a re-incarnation of the serialized newspaper novel. Everyone, from young teens to adults, is devouring them
-- chapter by chapter.
Voice of Experience: "Fabulous Friday" Sparks Creativity and Learning
Would this new lesson help teacher Susan Lovelace make the leap from the sage's stage? Or would it fall flat on its
face? The learning and creativity Lovelace saw -- and the confidence boost it gave students -- made "Fabulous Friday"
the ultimate literature lesson.
Strategies That Work: Spelling
Are you and your students tired of the same old spelling lessons week in and week out? With just a few new strategies
and activities, you can turn your spelling practices from dull to dynamic and your students' spelling skills from
grating to great!
Take Note: Five Lessons for Note Taking Fun
If recent surveys are any indicator, cheating and plagiarism are on the rise. As teachers, however, we might be able
to reverse that trend by teaching our students to take good notes. Included: Five fun lessons that teach needed note-taking
skills.
Reader's Theater: A Reason to Read Aloud
The Reader's Theater strategy blends students' desire to perform with their need for oral reading practice. RT offers
an entertaining and engaging way to improve fluency and enhance comprehension. Included: RT tips from the experts!
Teacher Feature: Sue Flaherty
Sue Flaherty used the inspiring "Write Your Own Life" essay from Chicken Soup for the Soul to motivate her
students to think and write openly and honestly about their futures. No one complained about having to write!
Wire Side Chat: Helping "Fake Readers" Become Proficient Life-Long Readers
Cris Tovani, author of the best-selling "I Read It, But I Don't Get It," chats with Education World about her
checkered reading past and about her widely acclaimed work with students and teachers in the area of reading comprehension
strategies.
Spotlight on Spelling
Each May, the National Spelling Bee is held in Washington, D.C. Since most of your students won't be there, this week
we offer lesson plans to help put them there next year! Included: Five new lesson plans plus links to many
more.
Put the "Memory" Back in Memorial Day
Some teachers, concerned about students' ignorance of the origin and meaning of Memorial Day, have created programs
that stress the importance of remembering and honoring U.S. war veterans on that day.
This is SBNN Broadcasting Live...from F. H. Tuttle Middle School
Armed with newly acquired research and technical skills, 13 middle school students from South Burlington, Vermont,
produce a weekly live news show that has become their school's "must-see TV." Video of an SBBN news broadcast!
Shaking Willy's Hand: A Collaborative Project Teaming Teens and 'Tweens
A teacher in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, recently completed a project in which Grade 4 and Grade 10 students collaborated
to read, understand, and perform Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream. Learn how she did it and how you
can do it too.
Voice of Experience: Revisiting Walden Pond in 2003
If your students were to head for a modern-day Walden Pond, what would they take with them? Kathleen Modenbach shares
an activity that helped her students grasp Thoreau's sacrifices and appreciate his work. Included: Cross-curricular
activities extend the lesson.
Lessons in Life: Connecting Kids and Soldiers
Many teachers are finding that both they and their students want to do something to help U.S. troops abroad.
Education World has compiled a list of organizations that link classes with deployed servicemen and women.
Reviving Reviews: Refreshing Ideas Students Can't Resist
Is review time a deadly bore for you and your students? Add a little fun to review time and you might be surprised.
Games will spice up reviews, revive interest, and ensure retention! Included: Five activities for use in all subjects,
all grades!
Affordable Art for a Sensational Spring
If exotic and expensive materials are keeping you from taking on the art world in your classroom, have no fear! Celebrate
the arrival of spring with art activities that will bring out creativity, not break the bank. You can find all the
ingredients for these sunny lessons in a classroom, closet, or store near you!
It’s Up for Debate!
Debates are a staple of middle and high school social studies classes. But have you ever thought about using debates
at the lower grades -- or in math class? Education World offers five debate strategies and extra lessons for students
of all ages.
Online Book Club Promotes Student Literacy
Are you looking for new ways to encourage students to read and write with greater effort and enthusiasm? Students
in Kentucky have demonstrated both since the Literary Book Club -- an online forum that offers students a real audience
and incentive -- was formed.
Special Reading Fun for Read Across America Day
Each March, on Dr. Seuss’s birthday, schools celebrate Read Across America Day. This week, Education World recognizes
this special day with five new reading lesson plans plus links to dozens of great reading projects culled from
our archive.
It’s a Mystery!
If it seems that something has been sneaking up on you this month, it is probably Kids Love a Mystery Week! Included:
Five mysterious lessons -- focused on language arts, history, and forensic science -- to ignite critical thinking
and spark interest in reading.
Winter Wonderland -- Lessons for Frosty Days!
Though the weather outside is frightful, wintry lessons are delightful! Whether the topic is snow, cold, or other
icy treats, winter is a frosty focus that will motivate and entertain your class. Bundle up and brace for wild, windy,
weather outside while showing your students the best of winter activities indoors! Included: Five lessons that make
winter a winning subject!
Voice of Experience: A Poetry Slam Cures the Midwinter Blahs
Educator Brenda Dyck reflects on how she uses a poetry-slam event to focus her students. She shares how they took
this 1980s art form and turned it into an opportunity to connect with their peers and teachers. Included: Benchmarks
for student presentations.
Voice of Experience: "No Child Left Behind" Places Premium on Reading Instruction
in Content Areas
Every teacher is a teacher of reading, and the No Child Left Behind Act is about to make that more obvious than ever!
But what about teachers who haven’t had a reading course since their undergrad days? Included: Strategies for teaching
reading in the content areas!
"Story Bits" Strategy Works
Last summer, principal Addie Gaines read about a strategy called Story Bits. This fall, that strategy is exciting
students -- and their parents -- about reading and it’s improving reading comprehension. Included: Ideas for implementing
Story Bits at your school!
Better Book Reports: 25 More Ideas!
Tired of the same old book report formats? This week, Education World presents a sequel to its popular “Better Book
Reports -- 25 Ideas!” article. Are you ready for 25 more practical book report ideas?
The Author's Picks: Must-Read Books For Young Adult Readers
In recognition of National Children's Book Week, the authors of some of today's best books for children and young
adults share their favorite young adult books with you.
By the Book -- Activities for Book Week!
"A book is like a garden carried in the pocket" -- but getting kids to crack open books is often no walk in the park!
During this year's observance of Children's Book Week, share the wonder and magic of books. Included: Five language
arts lessons you'll want to "bookmark"!
The Author's Picks: Must-Read Books For Elementary Students
Are you looking for the best books to read with your elementary school students during National Children's Book Week?
This week, those in the know -- the authors of some of today's best-loved children's books -- share their personal
favorites with you.
Make the 'Write' Impression!
The push is on in schools across the U.S. to improve students' writing skills. This week, Education World provides
five lesson plans that give students practice in interviewing, editing, building vocabulary, and more. Plus story
starters for all grades!
More 'Write' Stuff!
Engage students with writing activities that involve them in writing round-robin stories, "indescribably" excellent
descriptions, persuasive alien essays, tabloid news stories, and books about younger students they interview. Included:
All the resources you need!
Writing Takes Shape!
Julie Graves, who teaches in Centre, Alabama, submitted this week's lesson. Students identify geometric solids and
where those solids can be found in the world around them. (Grades 3-5, 6-8)
Fraction Spelling
Submitted by Spring Charles
Students create fractions to represent the number of vowels and consonants in each of their weekly spelling words.
(K-2, 3-5)
Desktop Spelling
Submitted by Tara Snider
Students have fun while reviewing spelling words. (K-2, 3-5)
Drawing Lesson Improves Communication Skills
Submitted by Rob Ford
This activity is excellent for developing students' communication skills; it demonstrates the importance of listening
and asking the right questions (inquiry skills).
(3-5, 6-8, 9-12)
The Concept-Mapping Classroom
By providing a framework that allows users to focus on topics, and a structure that permits them to easily convert
diagrams to outlines and back again, Inspiration and Kidspiration simplify the task of organizing thoughts into effective
project plans.
A Poem a Day...
Are you teaching poetry in a way that makes your students think they have to "tie the poem to a chair with rope and
torture a confession out of it"? Do you wonder why so many of your students profess to hate reading any kind of poetry?
U.S. Poet Laureate Billy Collins says that now is the time to make a 180-degree turn in your approach to poetry in
the classroom. Teachers who have followed Collins's advice say he's right!
A Good Poem Will Give You Goose Bumps!
By Kenn Nesbitt
Five reasons poetry is important plus five ways to engage kids with poetry!
Students Aim for World's Record With Giant Pop-Up Book!
What's 8 feet tall and 14 feet wide, weighs more than 300 pounds, and can be found at an elementary school in Shakopee,
Minnesota? No, it's not the world's scariest principal; what it is (according to art teacher Jane Smith), is potentially
the world's biggest pop-up book.
Did You See That Poem?
Most likely, when you think about integrating technology into your curriculum, the technology you're thinking of is
a computer, and the integration involves engaging students in Web-based lessons and activities. However, many other
technology tools besides the computer are available to add interest, knowledge, and skills to your more prosaic lessons.
Fifth and sixth graders in Saskatchewan, Canada, learned that lesson last year when the use of video technology turned
a language arts unit into "poetry in motion." |
