Suggests ways to help students revise their written compositions by teaching them to "see" their work again. (DF)

The drawings of Saul Steinberg can be a workable way of introducing the student to composition. Article explains how to overcome the getting started" problem. (Author)

Describes how writing character descriptions of "The Cosby Show" is effective for discussing universal family problems and teaching positive values and standards. (MM)

How to help students progress from descriptive to affective to creative responses through the use of films in a language arts class. (RB)

Students can be taught to create vivid, colorful descriptions. To train their senses and sharpen their word choices and images, they can be asked to (1) list specific adjectives to describe such an image-producing word as "ocean," (2) substitute sharply-etched verbs for general ones in a given sentence, (3) record day-to-day observations in a…

Students can learn to write verse by (1) perceiving that poetic materials are inside and all around them and making lists of items that appeal to their senses, (2) organizing their material through the use of imagery, (3) experimenting with various meters, particularly the ballad stanza, until they can arrange words in rhythmic patterns (4)…

Methods for blending the language of the street with the language of the library, the integration of the language of film, a visual and oral languae, with the written language of great literature and good composition. (Author)

Discusses the philosophy of publishing high school student writings in "English Journal," and calls for submissions. Prints a student short story, analyzes its merits, suggests ways to use it for teaching, and approaches to revision. (JG)

Discusses ways to empower students through writing, using their own voices, plumbing their own lives for stories, poems, and essays; and engaging them in dialogue with their peers about writing and literature. (RAE)