Uses the author's experience writing, "Harriet Beecher Stowe: A Life," as a centerpiece for an examination of the art and craft of biography. Discusses some of the pitfalls and problems, not only in research and representation, but also in the critical reception and intended audience of a biography. (MJP)

Describes an online exchange project between middle school students and college English Education majors being introduced to middle school language arts teaching. Specifically details: (1) preparation for an online exchange; (2) goals for the project; (3) the exchange going online; (4) questions college students asked; (5) what all the students…

This study explored possible predictors of failure to pass state proficiencies in English/Language Arts and Mathematics by more than 6,000 Indiana students in 2000-2002. Data explored included early test results, school attendance, grade point averages, gender, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status. Predictors included early poor achievement,…

Computer programs covering several subject areas and grade levels are reviewed. The programs include multimedia courseware, simulations, and interactive software. Teaching tips which suggest methods of utilizing the programs are offered. (IAH)

Argues that language programs should result not only in competent language use but also in reading for enjoyment. The advantages of a whole language approach in achieving this goal are discussed. Strategies for incorporating this approach into traditional programs by developing literature-based reading units as extensions of basal readers are…

Describes a video/language arts curriculum for at-risk students, based on Paulo Freire's "education for critical consciousness." Discusses students on a Navajo reservation learned basic literacy skills while drawing on their personal experiences. Shows how Freire's pedagogy of listening, dialogue, and action were incorporated into all…

Suggests titles and learning activities to promote the use of children's books in the elementary school classroom. Language arts topics addressed include language skills; vocabulary enrichment; distinguishing between reality and fantasy; the concept of point of view; poetry; creative writing; and reading. (six references) (LRW)

Considers the schools of thought in language and learning, and examines how their theories and propositions affect teachers. Characterizes the teacher as a professional manager and discusses what it means to be such a person. Investigates what managers and teachers know and need to know-in-practice. (KEH)

Looks at the way community interaction with students developed from the "The McWhorter Book" project at McWhorter Elementary School (Lubbock, Texas). States that the project was designed to respond to drop-out problems. Preparing advertisements for local businesses helped students develop a deeper understanding of the community and of…

Describes an alternative elementary school where teachers work together to offer dance as a complement to writing and the study of literature in a whole language approach. Encourages teachers to add new ideas to their curriculum, to use individual talents, and to collaborate with other teachers. (MS)

Provides six fully developed library media activities designed to be used with specific curriculum units in art, reading/language arts, science, and social studies. Library media skills objectives, curriculum objectives, grade levels, resources needed, instructional roles, activity and procedures for completion, evaluation, and follow-up are…

Describes features that make the Preservice Education for Teachers of Minorities (PETOM) program unique among Hawaii's teacher education programs. Designed to prepare educators to teach children of culturally diverse backgrounds, the PETOM program includes a committed staff, modeling of effective teaching strategies (including collaboration), and…

An elementary teacher who completed her preservice fieldwork with Hawaii's PETOM (Preservice Education for Teaching of Minorities) program discusses the experimental process she uses to teach students to read and to love reading. By presenting her diary, the article highlights her whole-language approach to teaching a love of reading. (SM)

Describes learning activities for elementary and secondary school classes that use hypermedia software to teach language arts, including book reviews and interactive fiction; science; social studies; communication among autistic preschoolers; problem solving with Legos blocks; and other interactive projects. (LRW)

Provides six fully developed library media activities that are designed to be used with specific curriculum units in art, reading/language arts, science, and social studies. Library media skills objectives, curriculum objectives, grade levels, instructional roles, activities and procedures for completion, evaluation, and follow-up are described…