Extra Credit: Goodies for the Teacher and Student

Credit: Frances Gant Williston

Multicultural Math Posters

Set of 4 $50, set of 16 $190;1-800-445-5985
www.etacuisenaire.com [1]

In these colorful poster sets for grades 3-8, students learn how foreign cultures contributed to the rich history of mathematics. One poster illustrates how Chinese mathematicians helped develop the base ten system. Another on Ireland shows the numerical beauty of the Book of Kells. From Russia to ancient Babylon, kids will discover that even numbers have a history.

Credit: Bill Duke

Vocabulary Accelerator 01

Defined Mind; $25; 1-212-925-5138
www.defmind.com [2]

The workbook and CD (for grades 7 to adult) fuse twelve original songs in hip-hop, rock, and other styles with vocabulary and comprehension activities such as puzzles, synonym matching, and fill-in-the-blank exercises. All the tracks include articulate lyrics. In the opening song, "Hot," for example, students listen carefully and jot down the "money words" -- or vocabulary -- for the song's lesson, then dive into their workbooks and explore the meaning of the lyrics, from conflagration to indefatigable. What are you waiting for? Sing yourself smart.

Credit: Bill Duke

Smart Board 600 Series

Smart Technologies;48 inches $700, 64 inches $1,120,77 inches $1,400 (conditional prices) 1-888-427-6278
www.smarttech.com [3]

The creaky green chalkboard seems Paleolithic compared to the newest sleek version of Smart Technologies's interactive whiteboard. Use your finger to write, erase, and perform mouse functions. Pick up the pen or eraser in the built-in pen tray, and the board automatically detects the selected tool. You can write in "digital ink" and save any screen as a Word, Excel, PowerPoint, or AutoCAD file. Software provides access to thousands of free images and templates and allows you to create concept maps, while an optional speaker system and wireless connection juices up any presentation.

KidBiz3000

Achieve 3000; starts at $9,250; 1-888-968-6822
www.achieve3000.com/kidbiz3000 [4]

Credit: Bill Duke

We've all heard the horror stories about high schoolers identifying Canada as an American state. KidBiz3000, then, is a much-needed outlet to boost news-literacy skills for grades 2-8. After students set up an email account and determine reading level on a pretest, they'll receive a Reuters news article -- edited to match their comprehension ability -- each day. All students read about the same topic, so they can discuss what they've learned. There are also stock market simulations and tech-literary lessons, ranging from using a keyboard to animated slide shows. Sign up -- and get 'em biz-zy.

Credit: Frances Gant Williston

Putting the Movement Back into Civil Rights Teaching

Edited by Deborah Menkart, Alana D.Murray, and Jenice ViewTeaching for Change and the Poverty andRace Research Action Council; $25;576 pages; 1-800-763-9131
www.civilrightsteaching.org [5]

When kids hear about the courageous woman who refused to give up her seat on the bus or the man who gave a mesmerizing speech about his dream, it's often their first exposure to issues of social injustice. But those lessons engage students only momentarily -- they seem to recall little besides Rosa Parks or Martin Luther King Jr. Yet the movement is full of much more. The book includes lessons for all levels; a related Web site is designed to spark discussions.