States that teachers who view themselves as writers experience the same sort of mental changes that regular writers do. Explains that attitudes about writing change, and higher interest in all things relating to writing increases. Argues that keeping a portfolio of writings is beneficial in the development of writing skills, even in writing…

States that having students write poems while listening to a cassette tape of "Earth Spirit" by R. Carlos Nakai has been a remarkably successful exercise with students in grades 2-12. Discusses exercises in which the author reads three poems while the tape plays, and the students then write poems of their own. (PA)

This study compared the relative effectiveness of fantasy induction, intrinsic motivation induction, and combined fantasy/intrinsic motivation induction upon creative writing performance of 100 freshmen college students. All three methods enhanced the creativity of the students' poetry writing, with the conjunctive approach exhibiting no more…

This supplement/newsletter contains booktalks, news, and other information of interest to librarians, teachers, and readers. Highlights include differences in successful booktalks for adults and for teenagers; booktalking during February as Black History Month; and reviews that focus on poetry and picture books for elementary students through…

Describes a unit of study for teaching writing in the context of trying to foster an awareness and compassion among students toward homelessness. Recounts some of the memorable student responses and reactions to the unit. Samples some of the poems written by students as a result of the unit. (HB)

Describes an interactive approach to the study of German lyric texts, based upon reader response theory. Using this approach, students observe themselves and their reactions to the experience, and their observations become the basis for class discussion and analysis of the text. (GLR)

Explains how elementary teachers can help students understand onomatopoeia, suggesting that they define onomatopoeia, share examples of it, read poems and have students discuss onomatopoeic words, act out common household sounds, write about sound effects, and create choral readings of onomatopoeic poems. Two appropriate poems are included. (SM)

Choral speaking is one way to introduce elementary students to poetry and the performing arts, providing a quick and easy way to foster precise diction and voice projection. The article explains how to select poems, direct the activity, get started, and be creative. Includes several poems to help teachers get started. (SM)

Two articles originally published in the 1970s are reprinted. The first argues that the American writer no longer knows what is expected of him and has difficulty engaging in conversation with the reader. The second examines the work and teaching of Joseph Brodsky, a Russian poet, while in the United States. (MSE)

Classifies the various forms that exist in a type of poetry dubbed "burstnorm" poetry, a form of lyrical poetry. Differentiates burstnorm from two other types, "plaintext" and "songmode poetry." Describes three types of burstnorm poetry: surrealistic, pluraesthetic, and language poetry. Discusses further subtypes of…

Describes how one English teacher developed a multimedia poetry unit that opened her students' understanding of English poetry. Outlines the project's goals and methods of instruction. Provides students' written responses to the project and the teacher's reflection about its pros and cons. (HB)

Discusses ways to introduce poetry to college students and to have high school students discuss quotes from famous individuals concerning reading and writing. (RS)

Discusses the benefits of integrating the teaching of literature and painting. Describes the benefits to students in the understanding of both forms. Asserts that using visual arts improves students' motivation as well as their overall understanding of modernism. (PRA)

Describes how to use "Poetry Poker," a strategy that allows the student to write a poem by playing cards. Discusses how each student/player is dealt five cards on which are written one sentence of poetry per card and how the student/player then must arrange the cards into the order desired to form a complete poem. (PA)

It is proposed that introduction of poetry in the French language class should be designed to make students aware that the poem is a mode of expression. The teacher can exploit this discovery by developing activities in which linguistic and communicative aims come together. Specific suggestions are offered. (MSE)