This essay considers the relative merits of critical writing and writing in role as a means of enabling and assessing students' responses to literary texts. Drawing largely on the author's experience of teaching "Frankenstein," it argues that the distinction between critical and creative writing is not as absolute as is sometimes…

The famed playwright Harold Pinter, having just been introduced as a very good writer, was once asked by a six-year-old boy if he could do a "w." The author suspects that "w" was a difficult letter for this young man, and he judged the writing capability of others accordingly. This student's assumption--that being a "good…

In the late 1970s, poet Lewis MacAdams labeled the many writers beginning to visit schools as "wild cards in the deck of education," bringing fresh possibilities to a somewhat staid curriculum. Now, nearly thirty years later, the authors wonder if it isn't time to renew the metaphor, as everyone strive to name what happens when poets bring their…

Explains why the National Council of Teachers of English's Program to Recognize Excellence in Student Literary Magazines serves to improve high school literary magazines and reward the hard work of teachers and students. Uses the judging criteria of the contest to explain why the best magazines won recognition. (TB)

Discussion of how to improve elementary school students' writing focuses on teaching and explaining the literary element of a character's attitude. Considers the relationship between attitude, mood, and motive; includes suggested student activities related to attitude; and describes evaluation possibilities. (LRW)

A product of Hawaii's Poets-in-the-Schools program, this second volume of a compilation of essays and poems addresses diverse artistic and educational concerns about poetry writing and is divided into two sections. Section I consists of essays by three of the poets who were involved in the program: (1) "Evaluating Student Poems" by Tim…

One of a series of 20 literary magazine profiles written to help faculty advisors wishing to start or improve their publication, this profile provides information on staffing and production of "Haggis/Baggis," the magazine published by Miss Porter's School, Farmington, Connecticut. The introduction describes the literary magazine contest…

One of a series of 20 literary magazine profiles written to help faculty advisors wishing to start or improve their publication, this profile provides information on staffing and production of "Seed," the magazine published by Grissom High School, Huntsville, Alabama. The introduction describes the literary magazine contest (and the…

One of a series of 20 literary magazine profiles written to help faculty advisors wishing to start or improve their publication, this profile provides information on staffing and production of "Labyrinth," the magazine published by Little Rock Central High School, Little Rock, Arkansas. The introduction describes the literary magazine…

One of a series of 20 literary magazine profiles written to help faculty advisors wishing to start or improve their publication, this profile provides information on staffing and production of "Bittersweet," the magazine published by Quaker Valley High School, Leetsdale, Pennsylvania. The introduction describes the literary magazine…

One of a series of 20 literary magazine profiles written to help faculty advisors wishing to start or improve their publication, this profile provides information on staffing and production of "Artisan," the magazine published by Raytown South High School, Raytown, Missouri. The introduction describes the literary magazine contest (and…

One of a series of 20 literary magazine profiles written to help faculty advisors wishing to start or improve their publication, this profile provides information on staffing and production of "Inscriptions," the magazine published by Bryant Intermediate School, Salt Lake City, Utah. The introduction describes the literary magazine…

One of a series of 20 literary magazine profiles written to help faculty advisors wishing to start or improve their publication, this profile provides information on staffing and production of "Et Cetera," the magazine published by Clarkstown High School, New City, New York. The introduction describes the literary magazine contest (and…

One of a series of 20 literary magazine profiles written to help faculty advisors wishing to start or improve their publication, this profile provides information on staffing and production of "Emphasis, the magazine published by Wayne Valley High School, Wayne, New Jersey. The introduction describes the literary magazine contest (and…

One of a series of 20 literary magazine profiles written to help faculty advisors wishing to start or improve their publication, this profile provides information on staffing and production of "Phoenix," the magazine published by Scotland High School, Laurinburg, North Carolina. The introduction describes the literary magazine contest…