Three questions guided the preparation of this paper: What are current practices in teaching literature in the elementary school? What research supports these practices? and What research should be conducted to increase knowledge and improve current practices? The first section, "Current Practices," describes the historical background of the teaching of literature in the elementary school, representative curriculum guides and media programs, materials for the literature curriculum, and materials for teacher education. The second section, "Research in Children's Literature," reviews research dealing with children's interests and tastes, content analyses of children's literature, children's responses to literature, and practices in teaching literature. Following each of the proceeding sections is a summary which includes implications for the further study of teaching literature in the elementary school. A final section generalizes about the state of the art of teaching literature in the elementary school and makes recommendations for teaching practices. (GW)