Addresses the implementation of a constructivist approach to using multimedia technology in two advanced language art classrooms in a public middle school seventh grade class. Discuses the development of management, technical, research, and problem solving skills, and placing final projects on the Web to give students a sense of audience.…

Summarizes the plot of "The Summer of the Swans," the 1971 Newbery Medal winner; provides discussion questions; outlines activities in drama, art, and language arts; and provides an annotated bibliography of picture books, fiction, and nonfiction dealing with physical, mental, and emotional disabilities. Includes an interview with Betsy…

Researchers examined how different reading and language arts assignments influenced third graders' (N=187) motivational goals, strategy use, and achievement affect. Teachers (N=8) modified assignments to increase students' complex writing and peer collaboration. Evaluation indicated students became less focused on teacher approval or normative…

Outlines the limitations of letter grades and the problems with giving percentage points. Discusses authentic evaluation and the author's daily process of evaluation with her low-reading students as they engage daily in reflecting, rethinking, selecting, and deciding. (SR)

Reviews three computer software programs that can enhance children's story writing: (1) Sunbuddy Writer; (2) Sierra's School House; and (3) Snoopy's Campfire Stories. Describes the capabilities and features of each program as well as the possibilities for expansion. (AA)

Provides seven fully developed library media activities to be used in conjunction with specific curriculum units in French, mathematics, reading/language arts, science, and social studies. Grade levels, objectives, curriculum objectives, resources, instructional roles, activities and procedures for completion, evaluation, and followup are…

Outlines several methods for students at elementary levels to use cut-out lettering. Describes a name creation project, a scrabble bulletin board, and methods to teach the language arts. Maintains that, if students use their own letterforms in the classroom, they will be more involved in learning. (KM)

Interviews Ira Shor, who discusses the meaning of liberation education, the political nature of education, teacher education, and problems and possibilities associated with liberation education. (MG)

Using the Civil War as the organizing structure, the teacher's role in developing a coordinated set of learning activities in language arts and social studies is outlined. Implementation of the unit involves engaging students' attention, involving students in an ongoing dialogue about content material, and moving into text material with increased…

Describes an outdoor summer enrichment program for rural elementary and middle school students. Examines activities that teach language arts skills through outdoor education content: student journals, daily vocabulary development exercises, instructional word games, critical discussions of relevant books, and a student newspaper containing field…

Describes a photography and local history project developed by students in a seventh grade language arts class. Discusses the project's success as reflected by student motivation and progress in writing skills. (SV)

Examines the value of literature response groups by gathering information about the dialogue occurring within them. Studies the content of talk, the functions of language in use, and evidence of reading comprehension. Finds that literature response groups are a good resource for helping children communicate through talk in the classroom. (MS)

Reports on an American College Testing Program survey of academically superior college freshmen. Indicates that they found high school journalism classes to have fulfilled language arts competencies better than required or elective English courses. (SR)

Describes PETOM (Preservice Education for Teachers of Minorities), a Hawaiian education program that believes education is most effective when children are taught through a process that is compatible with their home culture. In their coursework, students develop cultural sensitivity and appreciation, analyze relevant cultural features, and create…

Discusses changes being made in Hawaii's PETOM (Preservice Education for Teachers of Minorities) program, highlighting graduate support and networking, total immersion of students in the program, partnerships between faculty and field experience teachers, and educational technology. The article examines how PETOM faculty members are maintaining…