In modern classrooms, worksheets, still require considerable time and continue to be used mostly as seatwork. This practice prevails despite researchers having challenged the efficacy of seatwork that it does not provide on-the-spot teacher intervention. This article suggests that the following questions may help teachers decide whether and how to…

Suggests that by modifying the manner in which workbook pages are presented to students, teachers can increase their effectiveness as teaching tools. (FL)

Represents an exchange of "official notices" on the uses and misuses of workbooks in the teaching of writing. (MKM)

Cites studies in which the reading level of workbooks designed to accompany basal readers has been found to be several years higher than the reading level of the basal text. (MKM)

Asserts that reading and writing skill instruction should not be taught as a set of discrete steps with phonics workbooks, but instead should be based on examples taken from texts which children write and read. (MM)

Presents suggestions from five contributors including how to develop middle school students' library skills, teaching early reading through materials from a fast food restaurant chain, and ways to conduct student evaluation of teachers. (FL)

Nine contributors discuss: short-term grouping to improve reading performance, using picture books to inspire creative writing, writing musicals in the classroom, reading aloud to remedial readers using book boards to motivate readers, and other topics. (FL)