Discusses components that guide a teacher in creating a meaningful writing workshop for first graders: developing a trust in and commitment to writing opportunities, encouraging a five-step process of writing, organizing writing materials, providing a predictable routine, and working individually with each child. Emphasizes the importance of…

Outlines the following three ways teachers can incorporate art, reading, and writing in the classroom: (1) single- and double-entry journals, for writing about art and drawing; (2) sketch-to-sketch, where students illustrate their interpretation of a selected portion of text; and (3) literature and art, using children's literature to inspire…

Describes an at-home project whereby students collaborate with their parents in writing a book, and the resulting books are shared at year's end. Involves parents and students in signing performance contracts, developing reading and writing, and sharing skills. (ET)

Preschoolers, first, and second graders in multiage groups learned about space along with learning about language and report writing in a semester-long unit. Participation in project decision making resulted in a high degree of ownership by students. (ET)

Describes the One-Third Report method for motivating reluctant students to read and write: the teacher reads aloud a portion of a story; the class brainstorms endings; students read one-third of assignments, then write about what they need to know or hypothesize endings, which motivates them to finish the story. Includes sample One-Third Report.…

Offers 58 suggestions for eliciting students' responses to literature, which will enhance reading development, critical thinking, writing quality, and personal expression. Includes writing activities, speaking activities about a book, drama presentations, media presentations, artistic representations, and literature response journal entries. Notes…