Integrating language arts instruction with children's literature and content learning, this book helps teachers to teach children to use language effectively by connecting the teaching of listening, speaking, reading, and writing. The book blends content coverage with a balanced view of theory and practice. The book also provides examples of children's work and practical strategies that connect the teaching of each of the language arts. Chapters in the book are: (1) Language Arts and the Beginnings of Language; (2) A Literature Foundation; (3) Composing and Comprehending via Literature; (4) Connections: Listening and Reading; (5) Listening: A Comprehending Process; (6) Reading: A Comprehending Process; (7) Connections: Speaking and Writing; (8) Speaking: A Composing Process; (9) Writing: A Composing Process; (10) Connections: Comprehending and Composing; and (11) Managing an Integrated Language Arts Program. Attached are: an 118-item annotated bibliography of children's literature about children with various heritages or children with handicaps; lists of award-winning children's literature; a bibliography of special picture books (with more than 400 entries); a 39-item annotated bibliography of magazines for children; handwriting models; a guide to bookmaking; and guidelines for selecting an elementary language arts text. (RS)