Touchdowns, home runs, goals and bull's-eyes! These are some of the rewards in store for the students who play typing drill games at Del Mar Heights Elementary School in Del Mar, California. (Author)

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)

Established in 1969, the Coretta Scott King Awards, given by the American Library Association were established to honor African American authors and illustrators. Presents nine activities to promote awareness of Coretta Scott King, the Coretta Scott King Awards, and the lives and works of past award winners. Lists and describes winners and honors…

Discusses how interviews with fifth-grade students about their literacy journeys--the experiences that led them to where they are now in reading and writing--gave great insight (to their teacher as well as to many other teachers) into what makes language arts instruction "take." Conveys the importance of authentic literacy experiences. (SR)

Discusses how language arts educators can promote enduring change, including the need for continuous cooperation, collaboration, and reflection; the active involvement of all the stakeholders during every stage of nurturing visions; and how to support this complex growth process with flexibility and with an enduring commitment. (SR)

Author/illustrator Pat Cummings talks about drawing, her favorite illustrators, her first book, her work habits, teaching, inspiration, working with other writers, and offers advice to parents, teachers, and children about art. Lists books written and/or illustrated by Cummings, and suggests activities based on her books using art, language arts,…

This poetry workshop has students read Monica Gunning's poem about her childhood in Jamaica, create lists of what they want to know more about, search for and share the information, then find poems from other parts of the world. The Gunning poem and lists of resources are included. (SM)

Reports on a study of 10 primary grade teachers in four multi-age classrooms (formed in response to a Kentucky state mandate to implement non-graded, multi-age, primary programs for children ages 5-9). Examines what teachers did to make language arts instruction work, and their continuing efforts and struggles to meet the needs of a wide variety…

Discusses approaches for helping upper elementary-age children learn about words through integrated study of spelling, grammar, and meaning. Describes what word study is, discusses word study in an integrated language arts unit (providing several examples), and offers reasons for including word study in a language arts program. (SR)

Proposes that the multigenre assignment is a type of writing that requires more academic skills than the minimal requisites of the traditional research paper. Notes that fostering writing as both an art and a skill demonstrates how multigenre writing can be used to teach critical analysis, documentation of sources, and aesthetic unity. Details the…

Introduces "Language Arts" readers to a remarkable and inspirational woman whose contributions over more than four decades added immeasurably to the understandings of children's oral language, critical reading, and writing. Lists multiple ways that Martha L. King's impact on the field of language arts is reflected. (SG)

Describes a three-week "Introduction to Language" unit for seventh graders. Notes that students feel ownership of the unit because of the amount of choice and sharing involved. Describes the unit's mini-lessons: human language; origins and development of language; symbols and words; meaning in context; and growth and change in language. (RS)

Many teachers are creating learning environments where students' uses of reading and writing are inseparable and relevant to their daily lives. These teachers are supported by recent trends in language arts research, professionalizing trends in today's political climate, education programs modeling language unification, and enlightened educational…

The Los Angles County Office of Education developed the Educational Communications Network (ETN) to help implement English curriculum reform mandated by the California State Board of Education in 1987. ETN has become an electronic staff development distribution system using satellite-transmitted live and interactive inservice programing. (MLH)

Language teachers who turn their backs on grade-level designations, readability formulas, and highly controlled curriculum guides unlock the entire range of literature for exploration. These teachers teach strategies, not skills; they give time, not assignments; they illuminate experience instead of ignoring it; they encourage active participation…