Critiques a continuum of seven writing tasks to determine what type of task enables primary school children to best demonstrate their creativity and level of language learning. Suggests ways to provide opportunities for authentic writing. (RJC)

Offers a step-by-step guide to teaching elementary school children conventions such as punctuation, spelling, and grammar and includes a sample minilesson and 10 tips for teachers. An interview with author Donald Graves answers questions about teaching writing. (SM)

Examines the impact on proofreading accuracy of setting text in monospaced typewriter faces and proportionally spaced typefaces. Finds no significant differences. Notes that proofreading suffered when an irregularly spaced typeface was used. Suggests that text may be checked more thoroughly if its format suggests provisionality. (RS)

Reviews four software programs and describes features that illustrate their creative and utility value: (1) "ClarisWorks" for presentation purposes; (2) "Easy Book" for putting books together; (3) "Nutribase Personal Nutrition Manager" for nutrition education, and (4) "Digital Chisel" for interactive…

Provides six research guidelines for education researchers wishing to publish their work. These guidelines encompass the need for intensive study in a single domain, attacking difficult goals, conducting systematic work with colleagues, writing clearly and with style, welcoming feedback, and maintaining perspective about the task. (GLR)

Argues that careful structure of a writing program enhances the writing of all the students in the classroom. Suggests that the structure should value the learner as well as the writing process. Notes that program components contain issues such as time allocation, topic selection, importance of the process, the instructor's role, and the need for…

Newspapers can help teach elementary students map skills. Students read the newspaper, make cards from newspaper maps, learn about various countries, and do reality-based creative writing. Students can continue to use the maps throughout the year to answer geography questions and stay up-to-date on current events. (SM)

States that, although journalism and English composition are the two academic areas devoted to teaching writing and are closely linked, there has been little exchange of information between them. Proposes identifying who teaches journalism in secondary schools and why, and explores ways in which these secondary teachers are building bridges…

Determines the effects of training of phonological abilities upon the acquisition of reading and writing during the first year of primary school. Finds significant effects on both reading and writing measures for the groups trained on phonological activities using manipulative materials. Discusses theoretical and educational implications. (RS)

Shows how compliance-gaining theory (more accurately than the "bad news formula") can help to explain the content and style of two kinds of memos that deliver bad news from managers to subordinates. Finds that features of compliance gaining governing message production explicate the power base, verbal strategies and tactics, and…

Uses an ethnographic approach to study literacy as a cultural practice rather than as isolated skills within individuals. Finds that the emphasis on literacy, teamwork, and learning meant opportunities to increase workers' skills and wages but also increased burdens. Discusses implications for education and work. (RS)

Surveys international businesses in the United States regarding written communication skills required. Finds that there are major writing responsibilities in various departments within international companies, that the variety of documents produced was similar to domestic businesses, and that the major writing deficiency was mechanics. (SR)

Offers a means for writers to analyze their own texts through the construction and use of a tool--called a reader's outline--that students build from their rough drafts. Notes that the reader's outline facilitates more effective detection and diagnosis of problems and helps point the way to solutions. (SR)

Describes how an elementary teacher developed a daily writer's workshop. Suggestions for finding time to write include reducing use of workbooks and skillsheets, looking for redundancy in curriculum programs, concentrating on writing for a shortened period of the school year, and creating time-saving instructional strategies. (SM)

Describes the participation of the Criminal Justice Department at Southeast Missouri State University in the campus Writing across the Curriculum program. Makes practical suggestions for assignments designed to enhance writing skills without adding new burdens for the faculty. (SR)