Details the creative writing software program called "Kid Works 2" and claims that it is a solid and useful means of inspiring and fostering creative writing among young students. (HB)

Reviews "Showing Teachers How," a series of 12 videotapes released in 1986 and 1987 dealing with (1) reading instruction using the whole language approach in the elementary grades; (2) social studies instruction using trade books; (3) writing instruction; and (4) discussion strategies for current events. (RS)

Reviews 15 books about teaching, school, or English education published in the 1980s that had a profound influence on teachers and teaching. Notes that these books focus on writing and writing instruction. (RS)

Reviews and critiques a recent pedagogical book entitled "Exploring Texts: The Role of Discussion and Writing in the Teaching and Learning of Literature." Considers how this book might prove useful for secondary English teachers. Provides citation and detailed analysis of the book. (HB)

Describes the teaching approach and materials in "Origins," a book about word origins and how to teach them to elementary students. Notes that this book includes step-by-step activities, a brief history of the English language, relevant poetry examples, and several writing ideas. (MM)

Reviews "Favorites, Friendships, Food, and Fantasy: Literature-Based Thematic Units for Early Primary" (A. Lukasevich and F. Pieronek), a two-volume publication that presents four literature-based thematic units for use in the language arts curriculum. The units are designed to be used sequentially in 12- or 15-day segments, and each lesson has 4…

Shows how style and usage checkers can be used in writing exercises that encourage a recursive pattern of student revision. Looks at several instructional design ideas that can create "process-centered" revision software that appears heuristic, contextual, and interactive. (RS)

Examines six professional resources which clearly specify beliefs and practices relative to reading and writing connections. (MG)

Several texts for adult literacy classes are reviewed and trends are indicated in the following areas: definitions, assumptions of prior knowledge, teacher guidance, reading instruction, writing instruction, writing expectations, reading/writing strategies, grammar, and illustrative materials. Questions for teacher guidance are appended. (Contains…

This newsletter issue concentrates on the topic of teaching written language skills to mildly handicapped elementary and secondary students, with emphasis on the communicative function of writing. The feature article discusses expository writing instruction, describing essential elements of the expository writing process and characteristics of…

Teaching techniques and the use of grammar checking programs are described. Assignments using these programs are suggested. Four specific packages are reviewed. The importance of the revision process in writing is stressed. (CW)

Suggests that peer group instruction is one of the most significant benefits to have emerged from the process approach to writing instruction. Presents a teacher's classroom research on the peer group response method. (ARH)