Education World

TEACHER SUBMITTED LESSON PLAN Of Mice and Men: Cast the Roles Students play casting directors and use their knowledge of Steinbeck's setting, style, and characterization to create a cast of actors for a film version of Of Mice and Men. CURRICULUM The First 180 Days: First-Year Teacher Diaries Shaundalyn Elliott and Rich Henderson are members of this year's freshman class. They are brand-new teachers starting what we hope will be rewarding and satisfying careers. As if being a first-year teacher isn't enough -- Rich and Shaundalyn have invited thousands of visitors into their classrooms this year! Each week, they will share with Education World readers their thoughts and feelings about their first 180 days! SCHOOL ADMINISTRATORS NOTEBOOK Principals Are Key to Success of Technology Learning Each week Editor-in-Chief Gary Hopkins presents issues, programs, and resources to help Administrators to succeed. SITE REVIEWS American Presidents This site, a companion to the C-Span television series American Presidents provides information on all the U.S. presidents, including brief biographies and other pertinent materials. WEDNESDAY January 31, 2001
BOOKS IN EDUCATION For Black History Month: Three Stirring Biographies Celebrate Black History Month with new books based on the lives of three influential African Americans: Harriet Jacobs, Harriet Tubman, and Rosa Parks. Although their personal stories differed, all three women played pivotal roles in the ongoing struggle for freedom and equality for all Americans. CURRICULUM Student-Led Conferences Hold Kids Accountable Would you like to find a way to actively engage students in their learning process and increase parent attendance at conferences? Student-led conferences can accomplish those two objectives. Included: Highlights of research about student-led conferences. SITE REVIEWS Youth Net At Youth Net, students can collaborate on projects. Youth Net hosts K-12 interactive projects free of charge on its server. TUESDAY January 30, 2001
CURRICULUM The Bancroft Arnesen Expedition: Two Teachers Take to the Ice to Expand Classroom Walls Braving wind and ice, Ann Bancroft and Liv Arnesen attempt to become the first women to cross Antarctica. As educators, they realize that the expedition could serve as an inspiration to children. As they struggle to attain their lifelong goal, they share their experiences with kids through the Internet. Included: A teacher and her students share their reactions to this ultimate virtual field trip! SCHOOL ISSUES NOTEBOOK NCES Report Offers Support for Universal Pre-K Education World news editor Diane Weaver Dunne explores the latest hot issues in the education environment today! SITE REVIEWS The Solution Site This site, a companion to the C-Span television series American Presidents provides information on all the U.S. presidents, including brief biographies and other pertinent materials. MONDAY January 29, 2001
LESSON PLANNING Lessons to Celebrate Black History Month! February is the annual observance of Black History Month, a time to recognize the achievements, contributions, and culture of African Americans. This week, Education World offers ten innovative activities to start your celebration of Black History Month -- and to help you incorporate the African American experience into your curriculum all year long! Included: Challenge students to create ABC books, murals, and more about famous African Americans! TECHNOLOGY IN THE CLASSROOM Get Outta Class With Virtual Field Trips You look outside the classroom window and see yet another in a long string of stormy days. Your students are getting restless -- they're tired of being cooped up in the classroom all day. Don't worry! Take them outside virtually with online field trips developed just for students and teachers. Come on, it's a beautiful day for a virtual field trip! Included: Links to field trips of all sorts, from museums to a farm. Plus tips for creating your own virtual field trips! GREAT SITES FOR TEACHING ABOUT ... Groundhog Day Each week, Education World's Great Sites for Teaching About … page highlights Web sites to help educators work timely themes into their lessons. In recognition of Groundhog Day, February 2, we've selected the best of the Web for teaching about Groundhog Day. SITE REVIEWS The Snorkel The Snorkel is a "support forum for K-12 technology leaders." The site uses different technologies and provides set-up information so users may incorporate them into their sites. FRIDAY January 26, 2001
TECHNOLOGY IN THE CLASSROOM Software Bargains for Teachers! Does buying software for the classroom make your head spin? How do you get what you really need at a price that won't break your budget? Education World takes some of the confusion out of finding and pricing academic software with a quick tour of three online companies that cater to educators. Included: Price comparisons and help selecting software to meet your needs. CURRICULUM Chess Clubs Give Kids New Skills -- and New Hope! Volunteers are teaching members of the Young Masters Chess Club in Reno, Nevada, how to play the game of chess -- and much more! Chess is a tool for teaching other skills as well, such as concentration and critical thinking. And it can help build student self-esteem. Indeed, it's a game that can change kids' lives! Included: Links to great chess Web sites and other chess resources. DIVERSITY NOTEBOOK Diversity News Wrap-Up The latest resources for urban, high-poverty, and rural schools from Education World columnist Ellen R. Delisio