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 17 children's literature trade books which encourage the reader to revel in language via word play, riddles, word study, rhymes, charts, songs, and poetry. (SR)

A resource is presented for those who work in bilingual education and who are involved in test selection. Initial information is provided regarding tests that might be used for student identification, placement and diagnosis, progress monitoring, exiting decisions, and program evaluation purposes. No endorsement or recommendation is implied and no…

Developed to help educators locate computer software programs they may want to preview for students in K-12, this guide lists commercially available programs that have been favorably reviewed by members of the Educational Software Evaluation Consortium. Programs are listed alphabetically by title within curriculum areas: art; business education…

Describes and evaluates three software programs for elementary level language arts: (1) "The Princess and the Pea," which connects the fairy tale with the modern world; (2) "PreWrite, Level 1," which helps students identify and develop writing topics; and (3) "Dinosaur Days," a creative graphics and publishing program with speech capabilities. (MM)

This guide, growing out of the annual evaluation by the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) of English Language Arts curriculum documents (K-12), presents exemplary curriculum documents from the years 1986-1989. The guide presents documents which were commended by the NCTE reviewers and which demonstrate substantive, procedural, or…

Reviews materials from Multiscore, a criterion-referenced testing service which produces tests tailored to particular schools or districts from its item bank of more than 20,000 multiple-choice items. Discusses technical considerations, use of Multiscore in local school districts, and evaluation and conclusions. (SR)

Discusses the role that word processors play in whole language classrooms, and shares four advantages that "FrEdWriter" (a word-processing program) offers over commercial versions. (MG)

Provides an annotated bibliography of audiocassette tapes for instruction in 16 foreign languages. Methods of language instruction are discussed; differences in the target audience are considered, including tourists and business people; and guidelines for developing a library collection of language tapes are suggested. (LRW)

Discusses the use of English and Spanish children's literature in bilingual programs, reviewing 25 books that focus on elders teaching children, relationships between children and older adults, and children as helpers of older people. Using books that are related thematically gives children the opportunity to relate stories to their own lives and…

Describes a new product by Discis Books which offers complete editions of classic and original children's books on CD-ROM including features such as reading aloud by a variety of voices, background music, sound effects, help with vocabulary, customized appearance of text, and availability of foreign translations. A library media activity for…

Discusses five recent books about language that address issues that arise in classrooms with an increasing number of diverse dialects and varied home languages. Discusses the complexities of language, misunderstandings in the Ebonics controversy, socioeducational issues, and classroom ideas for teachers. Describes two web sites. (SR)

Developed to help educators locate microcomputer software programs they may want to preview for students in grades K-12, this guide lists commercially available instructional software programs that have been favorably reviewed by members of the Educational Software Evaluation Consortium. Programs are arranged alphabetically by title within…

The use of programs on the topic of dinosaurs in interdisciplinary exercises which may include mathematics, science, history, and language arts is described. Reviews of 16 different computer programs are included. Possible misconceptions and how they are dealt with in various programs are discussed. (CW)

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)