Most students find poetry easier to write if they have some kind of framework for their words. Teachers are given a guide for helping students in middle grades write poetry, utilizing animals and their characteristics as a framework. A reproducible activity sheet is provided. (IAH)

Magazine Mania is a series of seven reproducible self-motivating activities involving magazines such as "National Geographic" and "Ranger Rick." While enjoying the activities pupils will be increasing their self awareness, appreciation of foreign cultures, divergent thinking skills, skimming, research skills, creative writing skills, vocabulary,…

Suggested writing projects to stimulate thought-to-theme writing connections involve: (1) haiku based on animals; (2) acronyms as vocabulary builders; (3) aromas and textures as inspiration; (4) writing proverbs and fables; and (5) a "musical chairs" approach to story-writing, with props supplied at intervals to test creative technique. (FG)

The author shows how one child's creativity is destroyed in the pursuit of correct capitalization, neat margins, and good punctuation. (BD)

A teacher describes a technique for helping students discover exactly what they want to write about and how to develop and expand an original idea. (JD)

Children should be encouraged to write on subjects that interest them; their own experiences and observations are their best sources of material. (JD)

This article describes the successful use of the initial teaching alphabet at Lenwood Elementary School in Barstow, California. (PD)

The five approaches to the teaching of writing presented in this article represent different assumptions and different views of writing; it is suggested that the teacher may select one or more of these theories as appropriate for use by individual students. (JD)

Brief individual conferences between teacher and student during the course of writing a composition helps the student to clarify his or her thinking on the topic, thus improving writing skills and developing enthusiasm and pleasure in written communication. (JD)

When children are taught to appreciate the freedom and power of self-expression, they become motivated to master writing skills. Ways of encouraging creative writing in the classroom are offered. (DF)

Teachers must first become confident with their own writing before they can guide students toward being effective writers. Insight into understanding writing behavior and developing trust and control are offered. (DF)

Notebooks and journals can help interest students in writing. A sample activity suggests that teachers begin the year by reading a poem about notebooks then discussing school supplies and writing. Discussions can examine creative things to write on, creative word choice, creative use of notebooks, and turning favorite words into art. (SM)

A 7th-grade teacher describes a unit on the elderly involving films, books, a visit to a local nursing home, and other activities. Resources for teaching about old age are listed. Suggestions for preparing for and following up on a nursing home visit and ideas for related activities are presented. (MT)

A teacher describes activities sparked by the cycles of nature, "round trips," which become evident in autumn. This round trips concept is used to teach sequencing skills in reading, to hone observation skills in creative writing, and to spark interest in animal behavior. A reproducible story-writing sheet is included. (IAH)

Presents five ways elementary teachers can enrich their students' fiction writing abilities: teach students to incorporate their own experiences; encourage students to do research; give students chances to read and discuss fiction related to their writing; and help students recognize story elements. (SM)