This article discusses the viability of reading culturally relevant literature aloud to urban middle school youth. The findings from a research study are shared and guidelines for implementing a culturally sensitive read aloud program in your own middle school or high school classroom are discussed. Anecdotes from students involved in the study…

This formative experiment was designed to ensure that a group of high school students developed their literacy habits. The intervention consisted of a schoolwide approach to literacy using four instructional routines: think-alouds, note-taking writing to learn, and dedicated reading time. As part of the formative experiment, we document the…

Because revising can feel overwhelming even for competent writers, the author designed the Focused Question Card (FQC) strategy to ease students through a critically important aspect of the writing process--revision. The strategy is ideal for writing intended as thoughtful reflection of thinking over time and can be used with students from fourth…

Discusses a mystery novel ("The Butcher's Theater" by Jonathan Kellerman) in which one detective has a physical disability and another has a learning disability. Discusses how this novel and a specific read-aloud from it can create an awareness of what disabilities are and how to acknowledge them. Notes specific language-arts activities related to…

Argues that reading aloud is an important motivational strategy for primary school children as well as secondary school children. Discusses ways of carrying out this worthwhile activity. (SR)

Presents a read-aloud from Mark Twain's "Life on the Mississippi" and describes its use (and class activities for it) in algebra and geography classes. (SR)

Describes the use of some read-alouds from Alexandre Dumas'"The Count of Monte Cristo" which helped to demonstrate some principles of learning foreign languages. Describes briefly the read aloud selection, discusses some specific activities that relate to foreign language learning, and discusses specific language arts activities. (SR)

Describes Suzanne Fisher Staples' young-adult novel "Haveli." Presents two passages from it as read-alouds. Suggests class activities related to the book as a means of discussing cultural diversity and differing attitudes towards literacy in other cultures. (SR)

Presents a short section from a science fiction/fantasy novel by Terry Pratchett called "The Colour of Magic." Discusses its usefulness as a read-aloud for mathematics instruction of geometry, particularly the concept of circumference. (SR)

Presents a read-aloud from Gustave Flaubert's "Madame Bovary." Discusses briefly the novel and the selection, and then describes specific activities for English and for language arts instruction. (SR)

Presents a read-aloud from Lois Lowry's novel "Anastasia Krupnik" showing how Anastasia's first experience writing a poem helped form negative attitudes. Discusses the selections and offers suggestions for teaching poetry and for integrating poetry in other classrooms. (SR)

Describes a lesson for ninth-grade science students based on a read-aloud selection about science in space taken from "Lift Off! An Astronauts Dream" by R. Mike Mullane. Discusses specific science and language arts activities related to the selection. (SR)

Shares the authors' personal narratives attempting to shed light on the many paths there are to literacy, especially when the gifts and talents that diverse families bring to education are honored and respected by caring and trusting educators. Imparts how their families' hopes and dreams made a decided difference in their education, future…

Recommends a young adult read-aloud selection for science classes on endangered species. Describes listening, writing, discussing, investigating, and debating activities capitalizing on this read-aloud. (SR)

Suggests as a read-aloud an entire novel that is particularly well suited for English-as-a-second-language (ESL) learners: "Grab Hands and Run," a story about a family living with and then fleeing from the dangerous situation in El Salvador. Identifies several brief passages in the book and presents each in relation to ESL issues. (SR)