Originally published as a special issue of the "Middle School Journal," this book presents integrative curriculum as a foundational element of the middle school. By addressing the current gap in literature on curriculum integration in the middle grades, this text explores how learning can be organized around authentic concepts or…

The theme for the 62nd annual conference of the Association of Literacy Educators and Researchers was Educating for a Just Society. Connie Briggs, previous Program Chair, reminded us that, "Education has always been the foundation of a democratic nation. It is important that our students understand the principles upon which our nation was…

Offering fresh alternatives to common instructional practices that fail to get results, this accessible, highly practical guide highlights ways to motivate middle school students while enhancing content-area learning. Each chapter features an enlightening case study of a teacher whose current strategies are not supported by research; describes…

Discusses four ways to incorporate writing into math and science instruction: content journals, written conversations, letter writing, and informal reports. Includes a chart describing 20 additional kinds of writing that might be incorporated into science and math learning, including directions, advertisements, biographies, lists of facts,…

Recommends skillful use of language arts to help students make sense of scientific and mathematical concepts. Suggests that connecting language arts with science and mathematics explicitly and intentionally strengthens teaching and learning in all three areas of the curriculum. (Author/NB)

Discusses the role of writing about problem solving in the development of mathematics and science skills. Provides examples of student writing in math and science to show students' enhanced engagement and cognitive awareness. (JPB)

Writing is frequently neglected in American schools. Writing-to-learn approaches can develop writing skills and help learners form connections between scientific and mathematical concepts. Teachers often avoid writing in their classes because of a lack of class time and the demands of grading student writing. The Write Now Approach uses the…

In six parts, this research panel report focuses on numerous aspects of an institutionally-supported project in Writing and Problem Solving across Disciplines conducted by four teachers at Central Oregon Community College in Bend, Oregon. The report's first section, "Introduction," is descriptive and gives some background on the research…

Describes five formats of alternative assessment (journal writing, open-ended problems, portfolios, interviews, and performance assessments) for mathematics and science, how these methods can be implemented, and benefits of each type. Samples are included. (13 references) (Author/MKR)

Suggesting that writing can play an integral part in the learning process, this ERIC "FAST Bib" provides annotations of 31 ERIC documents and journal articles published between 1987 and 1992 concerning the Writing to Learn movement. The citations in the first section of the FAST Bib present an overview of the theories and criticisms of…

Outlines a reading program at Butcher Children's School in Emporia, Kansas, that allows the teacher to create a literate environment in which beginning readers develop their abilities, meet district goals, and develop a lifelong love of reading. Asserts that flexibility and the integration of subject matter are important factors. (PRA)

Writing activities can be used to cultivate students' enthusiasm for learning. This book shows teachers how to introduce their students to the benefits of writing in a variety of subjects including math, language arts, science, social studies, and art. Each chapter in the book includes an observation that allows readers to enter a classroom and…

Describes "Write Now," a writing-to-learn math and science program promoting academic gains and student involvement. Describes how students begin class by writing an answer to an open-ended question dealing with the previous lesson, noting that monitoring oral and written responses allows for evaluation of understanding. Lists criteria…

Presents several across-the-curriculum activities for elementary teachers. Math activities include reading a book and dividing with beans. Science activities teach about caves and about the weather. A writing activity explains how to inspire students to write good stories. An art activity focuses on Chinese landscapes. (SM)

Across-the-curriculum articles focus on four areas. A math activity describes optical illusions and the properties of shapes. A hands-on science activity presents the chemistry of secret messages. A writing lesson helps students capture the essence of character. An art lesson presents a project on medieval castles. (SM)