Argues that, to assume roles in corporate culture, business and technical communication students must understand corporate protocol discourse. Suggests that teachers can prepare students by providing exercises that increase student competence in navigating institutional politics. Concludes that such an approach will enable students to advance in…

Argues that summaries are useful before, during, and after reading to help students become strategic readers. Discusses classroom applications of chronological and problem-solution "frames." (RS)

Describes simple ways to begin teaching poetry to special education high school students, including unison reading, antiphonal reading, group activities, and memorization. Notes that poetry continues to be one form of reading that special education students seem to enjoy. (RS)

Describes several shared reading activities that pair up older and younger elementary level students. (MM)

Advocates incorporating humor in the classroom (as a means of assessing students' learning and understanding) by deliberately establishing a classroom environment conducive to original expression and risk-taking, and by the juxtaposition of curriculum material. (SR)

Presents detailed teaching procedures for an "in-basket" business communication assignment, describing the time frame, method, and practical details necessary for teaching the assignment. Argues that students must be taught how to determine priorities for items to be answered, discarded, or noted and filed. (MM)

Describes how students can draw mural-like story maps and colorful renditions of favorite poems, creating a print-rich environment in the elementary classroom. (MM)

Outlines how teachers can motivate students and narrow the gap between school and home by using students' anecdotes about their families for reading or writing activities. Notes that this exercise also helps bridge the gap between spoken and written language. (MM)

Describes a writing activity in which students write and perform their own television shows. (MM)

Describes how students enjoy poetry by writing cinquain poems. Provides an example lesson leading to a completed cinquain poem about tulips. (MM)

Despite teachers' most valiant efforts, the taught and the experienced curricula are not always the same. Most tests are inappropriate measures of the experienced curriculum. A Vermont elementary school has been assembling classroom activity data to help educators understand how children process the curriculum. Helpful assessment activities are…

Argues that Fritz Lang's film "Metropolis" deserves exploration and analysis because of its outlandish plot, dazzling visual and technical elements, and its reflection of the closing days of Weimar Germany. Presents a brief study guide designed to stimulate student curiosity and facilitate further interest in the film. (RS)

Argues that the most important thing that teachers can teach their students about writing letters is to write in a way that reflects the writer's personality, ideas, and visions. Notes that student letter writers should also practice thoughtfulness and good manners. (RS)

Considers two characteristics of forms: uses and functions and information sources/types. (RS)

Discusses electronic spreadsheets and how they can be useful as a classroom tool for mathematical calculations and creating text matrices. Provides examples of electronic spreadsheets for plotting genealogy, comparing types of crocodilians, compiling data for "mystery liquids," and charting the differences and similarities among three…