Illustrates the literature-writing connection by describing: (1) first-graders' responses to a mini-lesson on leads based on familiar literature; (2) improvement in students' poetry-writing after exposure to books and poems about whales; and (3) a workshop introducing similes through reading and writing poetry. (MM)

Outlines the Cooperative Integrated Reading and Composition (CIRC) program, a sequenced and structured reading/language arts program used by elementary level students at Bracher School in Santa Clara, California. Describes several cooperative reading and writing activities used in this program. (MM)

Presents "Mr. Three Feet," a story used to help students remember measurement conversions. (MM)

Presents 18 writing stimulus ideas that are intended as jumping off points for student writing and are based on poems from "If I Were in Charge of the World (and other worries)" by Judith Viorst. Offers some general suggestions for using poems in the classroom. (SR)

Presents a case study classroom exercise using the theme of price/non-price competition and based on a poster advertisement of the Eurotunnel. Recommends this exercise for use with fourth year General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE). Suggests the follow-up activities of class discussion and designing an advertising campaign. (KO)

Describes a pen pal experience between a third and fourth grade class and some local senior citizens. (MM)

Describes how performing Shel Silverstein's poems is an effective method to practice oral expression. Notes that although this activity was used in a fourth grade class, it could be adapted to any grade level. (MM)

Explains how to develop the independent use of literature response journals with remedial readers. (MM)

Describes a listening lesson plan to teach in conjunction with the basal story "Sam Clemens of Hannibal." (MM)

Describes the "Magic E," a game designed for small groups to practice decoding skills. (MM)

Presents a unit for teaching students to understand and control verbal aggression in their interpersonal relationships. Focuses on enhancing students' understanding of verbal aggression, helping students develop strategies for controlling verbal aggression, and providing activities to stimulate internalization of knowledge and strategies. (SR)

Discusses gender role enforcement as a way of disguising the ongoing pervasive presence of homophobia in modern society. Describes seven class activities intended to move students from simplistic notions of "boys do this and girls do that" to comfort with and acceptance of the deconstruction of traditional gender roles. (SR)

Discusses how the use of folders and kits provides effective ways of promoting conversational practice within small groups in beginning Spanish classes. The types of tasks used simulate the circumstances found in most language learning outside the classroom. (one reference) (Author/CK)

Describes using author-illustrator studies with primary-age children both to enrich possibilities for response and to enhance an appreciation for the visual arts. Discusses organizing and implementing an author-illustrator unit; initiating, rereading, and discussing; extending through art exploration; and extending throughout the curriculum. (SR)

Explores the nature of multiple environments within a middle school classroom from the different perspectives of teacher, student, and participant observer. Discusses the activity settings of lectures and group work, as well as issues of learning and assessment. Argues that teachers need to adopt procedures that enable them to identify and plan…