Following is a list of free or inexpensive resources that teachers can order.
Board Game.
Newsline Publications Inc. offers “It’s News to Me,” a board game that uses newspapers to help kids explore current events and develop reading skills. Cost: $19.95; a discount is available for orders of more than 12 games. Contact: Barbara Goldman, Newsline Publications Inc., P.O. Box 8114, Pittsburgh, PA 15217; (412) 781-0595.
Censorship.
The National Council of Teachers of English, in partnership with the International Reading Association, has produced Rationales for Challenged Books , a CD-ROM designed for teachers facing censorship. More than 200 frequently taught K-12 literary works are covered, with an emphasis on middle and high school. Discussions for each book cover: the appropriate grade level and audience for the book; a plot summary; literary quality; possible objections and counterarguments; and teaching ideas. Cost: $39.95; $29.95 for NCTE members. For more information, contact: National Council of Teachers of English, 1111 W. Kenyon Rd., Urbana, IL 61801-1096; (877) 369-6283.
World War I.
Michael Brown, a Providence, R.I., teacher, explores World War I’s Western Front in a CD-ROM, Cease Not To Cry . The multimedia production consists of music, poetry, historical notes, and photographs from five major areas of the war: the Somme, Vimy Ridge, Ypres, Meuse-Argonne, and Verdun. Cost: $19.95, plus $2 shipping. For more information, contact: Michael Brown, Wheeler School, 216 Hope St., Providence, RI 02906.
Kids’ Consumer Magazine.
The nonprofit Consumers Union, publisher of Consumer Reports , announces the release of Zillions, a magazine for kids. Zillions aims to teach kids how to make independent consumer decisions and develop smart money habits through lessons in product testing, media literacy, personal finance, and critical thinking. It includes games, puzzles, comics, and jokes. Cost: $16 for six bimonthly issues; school subscriptions are available. For subscription information, contact: Zillions , P.O. Box 54861, Boulder, CO 80322-4861; (800) 234-2078.
Newsletter.
The National Gardening Association offers a free copy of Growing Ideas: A Journal of Garden-Based Learning . The newsletter includes classroom-tested projects, teaching strategies, and sources of classroom support. For more information, contact: National Gardening Association, Dept. MP, 180 Flynn Ave., Burlington, VT 05401; (800) 538-7476; fax (802) 863-5962; e-mail eddept@garden.org.
Software Guide.
The Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development has released Only the Best: 1998-99 Annual Guide to the Highest-Rated Educational Software and Multimedia. Program descriptions include information about grade level, cost, and hardware requirements; the guide also lists organizations that have reviewed products. Cost: $29; $25 for members. Contact: Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development at (800) 933-2723 or (703) 578-9600.
