Presents an activity to connect language arts, social studies, and technology in a meaningful way while encouraging students not only to read for details but to "read between the lines" and draw conclusions about a historical figure's inner thoughts and personality. Notes that the biopoem is a simple 10-line poem with a specific, easy-to-follow…

Illustrates an example of developmentally appropriate curriculum which embraces engaging, personally meaningful, and adapted methods with primary children and their parents/caregivers. Examines and reflects on the impact of school expectations on the home and how that impacted the lived experience of the classroom. Suggests how to evolve parent…

Describes how the author asks students to turn off their monitors (literally and figuratively) and key into their "processors." Describes a tactile writing exercise to emphasize the sensation, the feel, that "writing with flow" generates. Notes that this experience of flow is vital to his vocation as a writer and as a writing instructor. (SG)

Considers how good phonics instruction should encourage children to recognize rimes and to identify an unfamiliar word by blending its onset with the rime that follows. Discusses seven conclusions/implications for phonics software derived from research into phonics instruction. (SG)

Presents a discussion tool that the author has incorporated into the classroom. Describes how she combines two approaches into a non-graded group work with a role-playing component, a technique she integrates into the classroom numerous times throughout every semester. Concludes how eventually students confidently present their well-supported…

Presents a word-game strategy that builds vocabulary and comprehension while motivating students. Concludes that activities like Flip-a-Chip (along with crossword puzzles and other forms of wordplay) have helped the author create a pleasantly literate environment in her classroom. (SG)

Describes how the authors' collaboration has been exercised through the construction of shared language and activities based on understandings of social action. Outlines three stages of their shared professional relationship: collaborating on projects guided by shared values; role-switching in their collaborative enterprise; and collaborative…

Focuses on early childhood literacy education and the perspectives offered by some European presenters at the 12th European Conference on Reading. Describes an ego-based literacy simulation for at-risk preschoolers from Norway; an early literacy support program for at-risk beginning readers from Slovakia; and a pre-kindergarten children's…

Discusses how one teacher used research and writing activities to help students develop independent, academically effective approaches to reading and writing. Describes a typical research and writing period. Considers how she fosters self-regulated learning and builds a community of learners. Notes the importance of involving students in complex,…

Conducts a critical review of empirical research focused directly on reflection activities with prospective teachers, and conducts a study in the authors' own literacy methods courses to learn what their students do when asked to reflect on course assignments. Concludes that engaging future teachers in multiple opportunities to critique their own…

Outlines how the author and her fellow history teacher used kamishibai storyboards (a type of folk art common in Japan before World War II) in an integrated unit on Egypt to make textbook reading more meaningful to students. Notes that in order to complete the unit, students had to use multiple literacy skills as they combined textbook reading…

Considers how in recent years, media literacy education in the classroom has been viewed as a bridge to more sophisticated print literacy. Examines assumptions about the connections between popular media--using television as a specific example--and print literacies. Outlines three approaches to media literacy exploring advantages and disadvantages…

Challenges some problematic issues of grammar instruction. Transforms inconsequential discussion of nouns, adverbs, and past participles to more significant discussion about writing, access, and improving the world. Explores four activities to do with student writing other than correct grammar. (SG)

Provides teachers with selected background knowledge and strategies that enhance the learning process for English as a Second Language (ESL) students in secondary classrooms. Discusses the stages of language development and cultural adaptation that all second-language learners navigate through. Outlines important linguistic and cultural processes.…

Provides a rationale for teaching problem-solving skills and explains a simple process for problem solving. Provides suggestions for selecting materials and creating positive learning environments and presents activities that encourage students to solve problems. (Author/JOW)