Working reflectively with the whole self entails harnessing artistic talents alongside other talents. If practice itself is an art, then reflection upon it is also an artistic process (Bleakley 1999; Winter et al. 1999). Expressive and explorative writing relies on habitual communicating medium, words, gives validity, form and coherence over time…

The guide provides teachers of English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) with classroom instructional activities that reinforce vocabulary or teach specific language skills (listening, speaking, reading, writing) while demonstrating that communicating in English can be fun. The activities are brief and self-contained, and an audiotape cassette (not…

This document contains 61 poems, short stories, and personal reflections that were selected from more than 300 entries submitted by adult literacy students throughout Ohio. The works included are as follows: "The Apartment" (Shirley Pettit); "The Last Poem Before I Die" (Lonnie Littleton); "A Family Lost" (Mary Rapp);…

This lesson introduces the study of insects in science by using poetry. Students work in cooperative groups to prepare choral poetry readings and present factual information on an assigned insect to the class. The choral poetry readings also serve to increase fluency in English-as-a-second-language students. During four 30-minute sessions,…

This 19th issue of "Notes Plus" contains descriptions of original, unpublished teaching practices, and of adapted ideas. Under the Ideas from the Classroom section, the August 2001 issue contains the following materials: "Imitation: The Sincerest Form of Flattery" (Anna M. Parks); "Stories That Make Us Who We Are"…

Based on Stephen Crane's poems about war and his novel "The Red Badge of Courage," this lesson plan presents activities designed to help students understand that Crane examined war-related themes in prose and poetry; that close study of a poem for oral presentation helps readers see meaning or techniques not noted earlier; and that not all readers…

Describes programs offered by a university English department that both improve the department's public image and enrich the cultural life of the school and the community. (AEA)

Recounts how a change in attitude and strategy turned classroom disaster to creative success. (JL)

Outlines a method to help students through the beginning phases of writing that will also show them the vital relationship between observation and creation. (RL)

Discusses the significance of two psychological variables (internal and external control) on Black civil rights in the last century. Identifies three eras: Colored-external, Negro-internal, and Black-external-internal. Reviews civil rights tactics for each era and also examines poetry as a reflection of the ideology of the times. (Author/GC)

The article describes a multidisciplinary humanities program (HIP) for gifted and talented ninth graders in Houston County, Georgia. HIP is comprised of project- and activity-oriented units that lend themselves to the humanistic and thematic approach. (DLS)

Argues for the use of poetry reading in second language classrooms. Reviews literary and linguistic theories of poetry and synthesizes these theories within a psycholinguistic model of poetry reading, according to which the central aspect of poetry reading is the conscious negotiation of the formal structures of language for comprehension…

Taped interview in which Appalachian Indian poet Marilou Awiakta examines her own life and work. Discusses effects of rural upbringing, Cherokee culture, modern science, and life abroad on writing. Examines themes of feminism and technology in life and work. Includes six poems. (TES)

Presents an annotated bibliography of quality materials by and about African Americans in the areas of poetry, music, folklore, women, picture books, history/collective biography, authors, and professional materials. Activities are suggested in each area for Black History Month. (LRW)

Contends that elementary teachers should use literature in their classrooms to teach essential social studies concepts. Describes types of literature useful in the social studies classroom. Includes recommended children's books for each of eight categories of literature. (CFR)