Presents annotations of 36 adolescent/children's literature books published in 1995 or 1996 chosen by classroom teachers as "too good to miss." Notes that each annotation includes a suggested grade level, activities for incorporating the particular book into an interdisciplinary or a thematic unit, and ordering information. (RS)

Shares two methods for teaching themes (giving and jealousy are used as examples) to elementary students. (MG)

These two teaching guides, one for the novel "Summer Song," (appropriate for grades 5 through 8) and one for the novel "Libby Bloom" (appropriate for grades 3 through 6) are designed to help teachers use these children's books in interdisciplinary classroom settings. The "Summer Song" guide offers thematic links on…

Offers four essays containing suggestions from classroom teachers on using big books for sharing reading experiences; poems or paragraphs; an interdisciplinary unit of study for first graders around Tomie de Paola's "The Legend of the Indian Paintbrush"; and comparing film and text to build critical comprehension. (SR)

Suggests that the use of thematic units and children's literature can eliminate the boundaries between subjects and provide opportunities for children to learn in a variety of ways. Presents ideas for thematic units in a number of content areas (health, science, math, art, social studies, and language arts) based on the theme "Mexico." (RS)

Intended to increase the choices available for teachers and children in the classroom, this book helps teachers deal with the ever burgeoning field of children's books. The first section of the book presents 29 themes on a variety of subjects, such as cats, folklore, money and business, Native Americans, science fiction, sports, villains, and…

This comprehensive encyclopedia of children's literature for the lower grades aims to inspire teachers, librarians, and students to delve into picture books and find ways to integrate books into the curriculum. The encyclopedia offers information on themes, focus picture books, and author studies to help educators become familiar with specific…

This article describes how to structure a unit on historical fiction around a creative arts center that allows students to explore and express themes they read about. Included are short descriptions of books; suggested materials for a creative arts center; and related activities in music, art, drama, and creative writing. (IAH)

Describes Literature Learning Ladders, a project that uses books for children and young adults as the focal point for technology-rich thematic activities. Explains the use of Internet Web sites to find book information as well as sties that demonstrate how resources can be used as part of technology-based classroom activities. (LRW)

Written for teachers who are interested in learning how to use literature to enhance emergent literacy growth, this handbook, in two volumes, focuses on how to implement integrated, literature-based, thematic units that stress the development of effective strategies required of independent, self-directed competent readers and writers. The first…

This paper presents nine sets of books which focus on specific contemporary international issues, and which have been used successfully with upper elementary grade students. The paper shows how the books (including picture books), which include subjects such as the preservation of the environment, world peace, endangered animals, and the coming of…

Intended to increase the choices available for teachers and children in the classroom, this book helps teachers deal with the ever burgeoning field of children's books. The first section of the book presents studies of more than 40 authors and illustrators whose major contributions have been to young children's literature. The studies in this…

Discusses the use of children's literature by Dr. Seuss in the middle school classroom to help students explore issues of their character and social development, adult expectations, and changes in their personal environment. Discusses themes addressed in selected Dr. Seuss books, and how these can be used as thematic units for classroom…

This book is the third in a series of books for a literature-inspired curriculum for grades 1-3 organized around thematic units. The book's "story stretchers" are a means to extend children's enthusiasm for stories and to better connect children's books and teaching ideas with other areas of the curriculum. The book contains 18 units or…

With the current emphasis on whole language, the use of children's literature as the basis for reading instruction is widespread. Theme units have been suggested as one way to provide stimulating opportunities for children to explore and learn. Whole language based literature theme units emphasize process more than product. Units are designed to…