Traces the evolution of the first author's philosophy and practice to show how progressive educational practices have come to challenge cultural norms. Discusses multiple literacies, making whole language critical, learners and the real world as curricular informants, interrupting normativity through literature and the arts, and being critical and…

Reviews the recent history of children's literature and its role in elementary classrooms. Looks ahead to what might happen next. (TB)

This paper suggests an alternative approach to early childhood science education that considers contemporary trends in both literature and science. The whole language approach to picture books is recommended and this strategy is described in the four sections of this report. The sections provide information on the relationship between science…

Reviews 12 professional books dealing with the following topes: (1) children's literature; (2) literacy development; (3) young writers; (4) discovery science and nature; (5) whole-language resources on butterflies and on dinosaurs; (6) mathematics; (7) engaging children in literacy; (8) early childhood curriculum; (9) the High/Scope Perry…

Using folktales from around the world, this workshop paper presents a multicultural curriculum for kindergarten and first grades. A statement of purpose, the curriculum presents lists of recommended teaching resources, publishers and distributors of multicultural materials, organizations; a 12-item multicultural bibliography; and activities for…

Making a case for the value of literature-based instruction, this book presents an overview of the extensive knowledge base supporting literature-based approaches to literacy instruction. It notes that literature-based instruction goes beyond simply changing the kinds of texts children read--also required in literature-based instruction are an…

Based on the premise that viewing the curriculum holistically enriches the instructional practices of teachers and adds depth and meaning to children's school experiences, this guide is intended to: (1) encourage teachers who have doubts about using literature in their content area classes; (2) support those presently using literature to teach;…

Discusses, through the reflections of three educators, the need to address cultural diversity in the reading curriculum and the importance of using strategies consistent with an emergent literacy perspective throughout the early childhood years. (MG)

This paper describes the development and implementation of a culture-based literature program to improve the reading skills and understanding of minority cultures in students with mild disabilities. Steps in developing such a whole language approach program include: (1) identifying the cultural groups to be studied; (2) choosing both fiction and…