Demonstrates a way to encourage students to take risks in their writing. (SR)

Presents a literary review which reflects the importance of including representational drawing in a reading program, followed by a representational drawing evaluation procedure which can readily be used in accordance with existing other reading assessment procedures. (MG)

Describes the widespread use of textbooks by language arts teachers. Explains the extreme prevalence and reliance upon textbooks, despite frequent complaints about textbook quality. Considers ways of revising textbooks and how they can be used to benefit teachers and students alike. (HB)

Discusses the impact that three ecologists had on the poetry of Gary Snyder. Provides examples of Snyder's poetry in which the ecological concepts of the food chain, succession, the biology of loops, and networks are illustrated. (MDH)

Addresses the precise planning needed to use graphic organizers in the classroom by offering four instructional suggestions for their use: be authentically prepared; promote interaction among students; use graphic organizers with discrimination; and expand use of graphic organizers. Offers teachers an opportunity to use a graphic organizer…

Describes the serious and pervasive problem of "doublespeak," in which language is used to deceive and manipulate in order to control behavior. Discusses why it is crucial for English teachers at every level to be reminded about doublespeak and to teach students about its perils. Describes ways English teachers can teach about and…

Describes an interdisciplinary unit on robotics that includes teaching parts of a circle, constructing and programming robots, and incorporating language arts. (JOW)

Presents an annotated bibliography of 30 titles selected as notable for their potential to enhance language awareness among children in grades K-8. Notes that each book demonstrates one or more of the following criteria: (1) dealing with play on words, word origins, etc.; (2) demonstrating uniqueness in the use of language; and (3) inviting child…

Argues that interactive play increases literacy learning in grades K-12 by fostering a community atmosphere, encouraging teamwork, and reducing the influence of social hierarchies. Outlines three games designed to teach an aspect of English language arts, and describes a vocabulary review game the author has used for years in a variety of classes.…

Considers how the 1990s have seen a geometric increase in the incidences of censorship attempts in middle school materials, choices, and teachers' creative instructional approaches. Discusses expanding the middle school canon, anti-censorship efforts in the 1990s, and censorship activity from 1988 to 1997. Provides resources for middle school…

Offers observations and comments on what makes a good mentor at the middle school level from several experienced and novice English language arts teachers. (SR)

Examines the possibility that language confusion can be mistaken for misconception. Uses a written test to diagnose physics misconceptions among South African students. Reports that in several cases distracters were chosen by subjects who did not hold the target misconceptions. Indicates that caution is needed in interpreting student responses to…

Discusses elements of rhetoric as they are applied in education: its contemporary meanings, the history of rhetoric, its implications for teaching, and its applications for life. (SR)

Four child-crafted book projects help promote students' holiday spirit. The projects, all based on a simple accordion fold, resemble cards but open to reveal more than just a greeting, allowing students to think and write about what the holiday means to them. Projects include a poetry book, a rhyming book, and a memory book. (SM)

Describes how Anna Deveare Smith's "Fires in the Mirror" can be adapted for the secondary level language arts classroom. Describes a storytelling exercise, and then describes the six stages of the project as students adapted personal narrative for performance: theme; obtaining the interview; the peer-editing workshop; preparing for the…