Presents a case study of poetry writing in a fifth grade classroom. Shows not only how writing and reading come together but also how children come together with each other and with published poets. (RS)

Careful scrutiny of the literature and actions of Paul Laurence Dunbar reveals that he was more a part of the African-American protest tradition than scholars have been led to believe. He cannot be grouped with the plantation school of writers because of his opposition to slavery and white paternalism. (SLD)

A range of alternative approaches to student work in science is presented. The approaches are illustrated by examples of students' work including cartoons, cards, poems, and posters. A number of audiences other than the teacher is identified as a potential focus for students' written work. (KR)

An activity book to help elementary teachers and students explore the environment offers information and questions about spaceships; an ecology primer and poster with questions; information on animal adaptation with poster and questions; ecological and dramatic arts projects; a script for performance; and suggestions to make Earth Day celebrations…

Describes a multiage first- through third-grade classroom where the development of children's voices and their writing can happen slowly, in its own time. Uses children's poems to show how children discover the craft of writing through listening to other writers (fellow classmates and authors) in the ongoing process of hearing their own voices and…

Offers a brief description of the Third International Conference for Global Conversations on Language and Literacy, held in Bordeaux, France, in August 1998. Gives brief summaries of five conference presentations or sessions. (SR)

Uses examples of children's poetry to illustrate both the power of metaphor and the possibilities of poetry in the development of metaphor. Traces children's development in creation of metaphor from kindergarten through eighth grade. Looks at early demonstration of metaphor use and the expanded use of metaphor to describe complex concepts and…

Presents a novel idea for teaching a scientific concept using a poem that describes the major perspectives on the origins of living systems as the medium of instruction. Addresses major concepts such as chemical evolution, DNA vs. RNA, protocell formation, coacervates, panspermia, and special creation. (Author/CCM)

Explores the considerable benefits of reading poetry, why poetry is often neglected, and some of the ways the author brings poetry and children together, making poetry an integral part of the curriculum. Offers a list of recommended poetry volumes, as well as a list of recommended professional reading/supporting poetry-instruction in the…

Presents an interdisciplinary unit for fourth-grade students that compares the Tokaido Road in Japan to Interstate I-75 in Michigan; students learned about the history and geography of the Tokaido Road, examined the travel prints of Ando Hiroshige, and created their own travel prints and haikus. Gives three accompanying handouts. (CMK)

Discusses the creation of multimedia lessons on computer for three poetry units, and offers suggestions for developing such lessons. Describes purposes, methods, and conclusions from two years of working with an authoring software called Toolbook, and an ancillary software for doing multimedia lessons more economically than in the multimedia…

Gives an account in journal format of the author's experiences teaching writing and literature at a missionary school in Nigeria. Describes difficulties and conflicts of beliefs encountered over a period of time with her colleagues. Presents a poem from one of her teaching assistants and discusses reactions and meanings involved in the different…

Offers brief descriptions of 20 recently published children's books discussing them in tandem with 40 landmark children's books, in the following categories: (1) poetry: gathering strength through song, verse, and prayer; (2) picture books: images of history, hope, and action; (3) chapter books: engaging and extending the social awareness of older…

Argues that the best books will inspire children to pause and think deeply about their own lives and lives of others. Offers brief descriptions of 37 books for children and young readers, including: picture books that promote rich classroom conversations; poetry collections; books to grow up on; picture books for the youngest students; historical…

Discusses six books that offer beginning and veteran teachers classroom-tested ideas to help students read and write poetry and other literature, and interact with each other as they strive to understand and appreciate classic drama and novels. Notes four websites that are good sites for teaching poetry. (SR)