Discusses using index card improvisations to review story structure and characterization with eighth-grade students. Notes that students were quickly able to construct a story that their peers enjoyed. (RS)

Describes a seventh grade language-arts unit on playwriting that provided an outlet for the drama, energy, and creativity inherent in all adolescents and proved to be a highly successful and enjoyable program of study. (MG)

Lists 10 activities used to develop and reinforce the concepts of main idea and generalizing, after describing how a particular teacher connected a favorite meal with the understanding of these concepts. (MG)

This review of the literature on graphic organizers includes discussion of background readings, the research base, applications, books, journal articles, and ERIC documents. Resources on creating and managing the literate classroom and on language arts activities are also described. (MES)

Demonstrates a way to encourage students to take risks in their writing. (SR)

Presents a literary review which reflects the importance of including representational drawing in a reading program, followed by a representational drawing evaluation procedure which can readily be used in accordance with existing other reading assessment procedures. (MG)

Describes the widespread use of textbooks by language arts teachers. Explains the extreme prevalence and reliance upon textbooks, despite frequent complaints about textbook quality. Considers ways of revising textbooks and how they can be used to benefit teachers and students alike. (HB)

Discusses the impact that three ecologists had on the poetry of Gary Snyder. Provides examples of Snyder's poetry in which the ecological concepts of the food chain, succession, the biology of loops, and networks are illustrated. (MDH)

Addresses the precise planning needed to use graphic organizers in the classroom by offering four instructional suggestions for their use: be authentically prepared; promote interaction among students; use graphic organizers with discrimination; and expand use of graphic organizers. Offers teachers an opportunity to use a graphic organizer…

Describes the serious and pervasive problem of "doublespeak," in which language is used to deceive and manipulate in order to control behavior. Discusses why it is crucial for English teachers at every level to be reminded about doublespeak and to teach students about its perils. Describes ways English teachers can teach about and…

Describes an interdisciplinary unit on robotics that includes teaching parts of a circle, constructing and programming robots, and incorporating language arts. (JOW)

Presents an annotated bibliography of 30 titles selected as notable for their potential to enhance language awareness among children in grades K-8. Notes that each book demonstrates one or more of the following criteria: (1) dealing with play on words, word origins, etc.; (2) demonstrating uniqueness in the use of language; and (3) inviting child…

Argues that interactive play increases literacy learning in grades K-12 by fostering a community atmosphere, encouraging teamwork, and reducing the influence of social hierarchies. Outlines three games designed to teach an aspect of English language arts, and describes a vocabulary review game the author has used for years in a variety of classes.…

Considers how the 1990s have seen a geometric increase in the incidences of censorship attempts in middle school materials, choices, and teachers' creative instructional approaches. Discusses expanding the middle school canon, anti-censorship efforts in the 1990s, and censorship activity from 1988 to 1997. Provides resources for middle school…

Offers observations and comments on what makes a good mentor at the middle school level from several experienced and novice English language arts teachers. (SR)