When the author discovered that the majority of fifth-grade students in her classroom were comprehending very little in their social studies textbooks, she decided to revamp the methods and materials in order to help all students acquire the content. The textbook not only held new and abstract content, but also contained transition words,…

Examined how one teacher educator transformed her curriculum, teaching, and assessment practices to better prepare beginning teachers for diversity by using poetry as a site for exploring one's own culture and sharing the knowledge with others in a literacy methods course. Results highlighted teacher candidates' perceptions of the poetry writing…

In this article, the author explores the many other faces of rap that do not get the media exposure that they rightfully deserve. As this article attempts to reveal, rap music, as a form of cultural pedagogy and critical literacy, is only one way to achieve the goals of a "critical education." Rap lyrics can also be used as a tool to help the…

Quebec rap lyrics stand out on the world Hip-Hop scene by virtue of the ease and rapidity with which performers in this multilingual, multiethnic youth community codeswitch, frequently among three or more languages or language varieties (usually over a French and/or English base) in the same song. We construct a framework for understanding…

English Language Arts class in a predominantly white suburban high school may seem like an unlikely site for transformational pedagogy. Teachers and students speak the same national language and most of the teachers grew up and were educated in working class communities. Despite these roots, it is far too easy for teachers to forget that our…

Grounded in integrated and excerpt style (Emerson, et al., 1995), this article chronicles Mr. Lehrer, an English teacher who provides his students access to standard and nonstandard writing conventions. Student writing samples and discursive practices illustrate enhanced awareness of distinctions between nonstandard language (African American…

Edited by three authorities in the field, this "Handbook" presents contributions from experts across the world who report the cutting-edge of international research. It is ground-breaking in its holistic, evidence-informed account that aims to synthesize key messages for policy and practice in English, language and literacy teaching. A…

Professional Development Schools (PDSs) can potentially affect the quality of teaching and learning of students in Grades K-16. The authors describe the collaborations among teacher education, arts and science, and K-12 classroom teacher faculties involved in a 5-year PDS partnership at Kansas State University. A 15-member language arts team…

Ideas and step-by-step instructions for creating and using chants, poetry, and songs in the English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) classroom are presented. The technique is offered as an alternative to conventional pattern practice, emphasizing rhythms of the spoken language and reinforcing structures, sounds, and functions of American English. Ideas…

Part of a series of books written and illustrated by the students of Northland School Division, Alberta, Canada, this anthology of junior-high-school student writing honors the spirit and authentic voice of young people. The writing selections in the book are made accessible to educators so that a bridge of understanding can continue to be built…

As teachers gravitate more and more to the use of literature and strive to include a range of cultural experiences in their classrooms, the use of poetry from various cultural groups should be considered. Poetry is a very real means of having children see themselves and others as being both unique and yet the same. In considering poetry across…

This book contains descriptions of over 1,200 books published between 1993 and 1995, all chosen for their high quality and their interest to children, parents, teachers, and librarians. Materials described in the book include fiction, nonfiction, poetry, picture books, young adult novels, and interactive CD-ROMs. Individual book reviews in the…

In the 19th century alone, Christopher Columbus was the subject of hundreds of poems that rarely questioned his voyage, his methods, or his place in human history. However, the scholarly work and political realities of the 20th century have undermined the noble, heroic visions conveyed by the poets. Modern readers/students have a dual duty to…

A concise yet comprehensive survey of works written for young people from infancy through early adolescence, this book provides both students of children's literature and the general reader with an introduction to the study of the field. The book is divided into two parts, the first addressing the contexts within which literature for young people…

This collection of writings by students in literacy, General Educational Development (GED) and pre-GED programs includes over 30 poems, personal narratives, stories, and brief essays of self-expression on a variety of topics. Many are first attempts at communicating ideas through writing. (MSE) (Adjunct ERIC Clearinghouse on Literacy Education)