Focusing particularly on student writing, this book describes the principles of an interactive classroom and presents specific activities which adhere to those principles. Acknowledging that such classrooms require that the students feel comfortable with each other, the book details several activities that help to build a positive classroom climate. The book uses classroom vignettes to illustrate the characteristics of the interactive classroom--authentic communication; collaborative learning; and the teacher as designer and director of instructional activities, among them. Chapters in the book are: (1) Principles of an Interactive Classroom; (2) Establishing a Positive Classroom Climate; (3) Establishing a Classroom Community and Context for Writing; (4) Creative Writing Activities; (5) Descriptive Writing Activities; (6) Developing Voice and Tone; (7) Narrative Writing Activities; (8) Speaking of Literature; (9) Three Interactive Projects; (10) Computers and English Instruction; and (11) Talking on the Spur of the Modem. (NKA)