November/December 2004
Features
Media-Savvy Kids
Teaching with a media-literacy approach gives kids the critical-thinking smarts to suss out the real story.
By Meg Lundstrom
Comic Books, Hot Rods & Hip Hop
Budgets may be tight, but an innovative idea — and the enthusiasm to
see it through — is still free.
By Jesse Kornbluth
The Freedom Writers
In 1994, Erin Gruwell transformed a classroom of failures and would-be dropouts into a community of college-bound writers. In our special interview, she explains her success.
Activities & Lessons
Holiday Math Crafts
Math-themed gifts, games, and creations for the festive season.
By Janet Reed
Immigration: Then and Now
Trace the immigrant journey through charts, graphs, and real-life stories.
By Hannah Trierweiler
CyberHunt: The Statue of Liberty
Invite students to learn about America's most powerful symbol of freedom with these interactive Web activities.
By Philip Stevens
Masterpiece Poster: "Dragon Tapestry"
A full-color, pull-out art poster featuring a beautiful, magnificent Chinese silk tapestry.
Masterpiece Lesson
Teaching all about the dragon tapestry and the Silk Road. Plus: Easy paper-weaving activities for students.
By Christy Hale
Favorite Author Mini-Poster: "Todd Parr"
Introduce or revisit this favorite author and his eye-popping, feel-good picture books with great language-arts activities plus our exclusive mini-poster.
By Liza Charlesworth
Transition Words
Help kids organize and smooth out their writing with quick and easy activities and a bonus mini-dictionary reproducible.
By Pamela Chanko
From Our Readers
Teachers share their favorite early-winter classroom activities and routines.
Columns
Web Sitings: Powerful Primary Sources
Provide rich historical context for your social studies units with the wide range of resources available on the Web.
By Hannah Trierweiler
Education News and Trends
Circus of the Kids, violence prevention pograms, editor´s book pick of the month, and much, much more!
Reported by Jennifer Prescott
Teacher Talk: Multicultural Celebrations
In our newest regular column, our readers share their tips for acknowledging the many holidays in children´s lives.
Plus: Teachers name their favorite holiday gifts ever.
Can You Help?
Child psychology expert Dr. Adele Brodkin and three teachers offer strategies and tips on supporting a student who has trouble keeping friends.
Booktalk: Great Graphic Reads
These new books are packed with comic-book elements and visual surprises to hook young readers.
By Lynne T. Burke
End of the Day: Christmas in Chicago
A new teacher shares the story of her first semester in the classroom, and how playing Santa for her second graders made it all worthwhile.
By Leslie Baldacci
