Lists and describes children's books dealing with southern and middle European Slavic culture. (RL)

Illustrates simple, inexpensive procedures for involving readers in decisions about which comics and light features to include in a newspaper. (RL)

Advocates the use of historical biography in social studies instruction but warns that each biography should first be evaluated for its reading level, realism, reliability, and intellectual respect for the reader. Lists 19 Civil War and 34 American West biographies and ranks each title by these four criteria. (SJL)

Describes a classroom activity designed to teach students how to skim and to read critically that is applicable to all content subjects. (MKM)

Describes a reading program focusing on Newbery Medal and Honor Books developed by a library/media specialist and a sixth-grade reading teacher. Evolution of the group format into an individualized approach is discussed, as well as such positive outcomes of the program as increased enjoyment of reading by students. (BK)

The systems approach to learning used in the majority of classrooms today redefines reading as its component skills. Two different approaches developed by teachers to teach reading as the sum of its components are presented. (JN)

Fifteen teachers report on the literary works they use in their classrooms, as well as the teaching methods used with these works. (RL)

Discusses children's attitudes toward humorous stories, the variables regarding children's sense of humor, and the results of a study examining the relationship between children's grade level and sex and their preference for and perception of select elements of humor. Includes a bibliography of 50 books children might find humorous. (Author/HTH)

Discusses the value of the mystery story in the language class as a source for a variety of exercises and assignments in which students can use grammatical constructions in a natural context. (CFM)

Examines 12 reading texts about Robin Hood, with regard to their content, suitability for various age levels, and language difficulty. The texts are found to be best suited for grades 5 and 6. An evaluation of each text is included. (IFS/WGA)

Suggests a strategy for developing reading habits in the middle school which is based on Grover C. Mathewson's five motives for reading. (MKM)

Optimal classroom read-aloud sessions result from teachers' planning and practice. Important considerations include choosing the right book, prereading, reading dramatically, and choosing authors who have written several books. Books that are sure to go over well include those that let the students get involved, stories that start discussions, and…

Discusses things for teachers to think about when selecting interactive books for their students, for example: whether the review was written by those in the software business or by educators; whether diverse possibilities for school use exist; whether the books are free of gender, racial, and class stereotypes; and whether the interactive book…

Observed use of culturally diverse and Euro-American books during freeplay and naptime in two daycare classrooms. Subjects were 35 children, ages 44 to 65 months, and their teachers. Results indicated that teachers and children used culturally conscious books less often than other types. Introducing these books during group time increased their…

Presents brief annotations of 23 picture books and children's books that focus on literature in which the generations come together--books that celebrate the relationship between young and old; challenge ageist stereotypes; explore the complexities of aging; and deal with the death of a loved one. (SR)