Briefly discusses several applications for databases in elementary and secondary English classrooms, including research projects, book reviews, electronic mail, and poetry, and presents evaluation criteria for teachers trying to decide which database is best for their classrooms. (MBR)

Describes the growing autonomy of three young siblings as they wrote in the poetic function over a five-year period. Includes samples of the children's poetry. (HTH)

Argues that adult literacy instruction should develop slowly over time and begin in the expressive and poetic discourse modes. (HOD)

Argues that the comprehension of metaphor depends on recognition of the similarities and differences in the semantic features of the words representing both sides of the metaphoric equation. Suggests that inexperienced poetry readers are usually unable to analyze these semantic features without assistance. Outlines a strategy for helping these…

Describes a technique used to help American Indian students see the connection between their lives and interests and poetry. (RBW)

Notes the relevance of the haiku form (unrhymed poetry "recording the essence of a moment keenly perceived in which nature is linked to human nature") to outdoor education. Lists anthologies, collections, books introducing haiku, and haiku magazines. Provides 17 haiku examples. (MH)

Four writers discuss how dealing with students, exams, lesson plans, and creating philosophies for their courses connect with their own writing. (CRH)

Describes novels and poetry anthologies that treat the family with some sympathy: there are stories of warm families, realistic stories of normal tensions, and stories that deal fairly with children estranged from their parents. (CRH)

Advocates focusing literature instruction on the classroom community rather than the individual because through language, as through mathematics, concepts and worlds are fabricated. (CRH)

Considers the implications of some new research which examines inter-ethnic friendships in schools. (Editor)

British poet Edward Lear (1812-1888) is widely recognized as the father of the limerick form of poetry and is well known for his nonsense poems. In the first lesson for grades 3-5, which focuses on Lear's nonsense poem "The Owl and the Pussy Cat," students learn about nonsense poetry as well as the various poetic techniques and devices…

"Courage Work," based on the writings of Parker Palmer, often involves the use of poetry as a vehicle for exploring and examining teachers' inner lives. This paper discusses how poetry was used with a group of undergraduate preservice elementary teachers in the Fall 2004 term, to explore how students responded to the poetry, particularly in light…

Connecting reading and writing has become an important trend in teaching the language arts. Poetry, as a salient facet of the reading curriculum, integrates well with different purposes in writing. Poetry read aloud to students can assist learners to enjoy reading activities and develop the feeling and aesthetic dimension of learning, among other…

This resource brings together classroom-tested, successful teaching ideas and activities used by real teachers. The 25 activities in the resource--most requiring little to no advance preparation--involve middle school and high school students in meaningful, active learning on topics in language arts that include public speaking, language…

This book discusses basic craft elements of writing, illustrates from adult and children's literature what constitutes an engaging passage of description, and then illustrates how that craft can be taught in a workshop environment. In addition, this book includes involvement experiences that help teachers experience these craft elements. After an…