Attacks the theory that there is a hierarchy of language skills wherein the learner starts with the simplest elements and builds to the complex. (DD)

A monthly exchange of tips, projects, ideas and resources. (Editor)

Reviews trends in the types of research submitted to receive the National Council of Teachers of English Promising Researcher Award. (DD)

Presents an in-depth interview with Ken and Yetta Goodman, awarded the second National Council of Teachers of English award for outstanding educator in the language arts. (SR)

Reviews "Learning from the Market: Integrating 'The Stock Market Game' across the Curriculum" guide for teachers in grades 4 to 12. Believes the guide suffers from errors of fact and omission. Suggests corrections and alternative activities that enable instructors to continue to use the material. (JEH)

Describes how a group of third-grade teachers engaged in meaningful and useful curriculum development in the language arts, starting with a belief statement, and moving to program outcomes, integrated topics, specific objectives, and student exhibitions and portfolios. (SR)

Describes a high school English teacher's community outreach program and its "outsider in society" theme. The teacher matched reading assignments to appropriate community service ventures, ranging from puppet shows to public speaking engagements and work with Alzheimer's patients. Community interactions inspired students to polish and practice…

Describes a "literary gift exchange" in which students buy or make gifts for other students' favorite literary characters and explain to the class why the gifts are appropriate. Argues that the gift exchange is a good way to end the school year and review the literature studied. (RS)

Reviews four professional references and two books for instructional materials to help teachers use stories more effectively in the classroom. (MG)

Reviews professional references and instructional materials that focus on language arts instruction. (MM)

Describes and evaluates three software programs for elementary level language arts: (1) "The Princess and the Pea," which connects the fairy tale with the modern world; (2) "PreWrite, Level 1," which helps students identify and develop writing topics; and (3) "Dinosaur Days," a creative graphics and publishing program with speech capabilities. (MM)

Reviews student and newsstand magazines in order to explore their potential for integrating the English language arts. (MS)

Defines and discusses the concepts of empowerment and motivation, and clarifies the relationship between them. Shows how language arts teachers can take advantage of both in developing more effective classroom practices. Gives examples of motivationally sound practices from the domain of writing instruction that might also be construed as examples…

Reviews five sets of thematically related books with the intent of helping instructors make connections between children's literature and real living. Investigates five areas, all broadly speaking to the issue of "security": (1) unsettling experiences; (2) nature study; (3) overcoming evil; (4) exploring adolescent angst; (5) journeying for…

Presents nine short pieces written by teachers describing how they relate the visual arts to language learning in their classrooms. (SR)