Treats, in a systematic and principled manner, representations studied in situated literacy and an associated methodological approach based on semantic analysis that characterizes the representations. Illustrates application of the method for four situated-literacy examples: mother/child word-naming games; children's story writing; journalistic…

Analyzes the value of "time on the carpet" by examining how a class of first and second graders negotiate and construct meanings of letters from penpals (university preservice teacher candidates) during whole-class sharing time. Describes two functions of these meetings: sociocognitive re/construction and enculturation of textural norms…

Notes that joint composition at the computer is common in United Kingdom primary schools. Finds that even children as young as seven years can jointly plan a story at the computer. Uses examples of pupils' discourse while composing to illustrate the processes by which they produced written text. (RS)

Describes how one kindergarten teacher developed self-monitoring and searching behaviors in her class of beginning readers. Describes an array of reading and writing activities that advanced students' phonemic awareness, letter-sound knowledge, and facility with reading and writing--learning that was proudly constructed with ownership shared…

Notes that emphasis on the writing process has produced books on the subject of students as authors. Discusses several recent books with that theme. Suggests that teachers can encourage kids to become writers by finding books that will "knock their socks off" instead of books that promote propaganda about writing as a process. Provides…

Discusses the use of alliteration by authors and poets and presents lesson plans for elementary students that model reading skills with poems and stories that use alliteration effectively. Includes class activities, a worksheet, extended activities including writing poems and tongue twisters using alliteration, and evaluation suggestions. (LRW)

Examines first graders' demonstrations of audience awareness in the context of Family Message Journal writing (in which children write a message to their families and receive written replies). Finds that the first graders demonstrated a sense of audience when writing for family readers, to get something they want, when prompted by their teacher to…

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…

Defines interactive writing and how it works. Recommends starting with the message sheet, then going on to written conversation and writing to a make-believe character. Identifies six benefits of interactive writing and asserts that interactive writing supports a basic human need of expressing one's thoughts and communicating them to others. (DLH)

Compares and critiques two models of invented spelling stages, arguing that knowledge of stages of invented spelling can lead to better assessment of children and more informed literacy instruction by offering a window into the learner's mind. Notes that good communication with parents about invented spelling can eliminate much of the controversy.…

Third graders with low compositional fluency were randomly assigned to four time-equated treatments in an instructional experiment: spelling, composing, combined spelling plus composing, and treated control. All treatments increased compositional fluency. Results are related to the simple view of writing that integrates diverse theoretical…

Recounts a unique literacy project for the early childhood classroom that integrated pictures, oral histories, and print to create a name storybook. Notes how children began to recognize their own names in writing and the names of their fellow students, were exposed to diverse cultures, and encouraged parental involvement. Includes written…

Investigated interaction patterns of first graders working in three small groups to compose stories on the computer over a 5-month period. Found that several social goals guided children's actions. Differential status within partnerships was reflected in types of social behaviors displayed. Common interaction patterns included using one another as…

Explores the experiences of one preschool teacher as she introduced story writing activities into her classroom, including changes in teacher expectations. Describes children's story writing, which used pictures and letter-like forms, and notes the relationship between child temperament and eagerness to share stories with other children. Describes…

Traces the history of reform in writing instruction and places it in the context of current educational reform initiatives. Examines the dilemmas teachers and teacher educators face as they balance their concern for maintaining and fostering what is known about the teaching and learning of writing with the growing focus on achievement on…