Based on the premise that viewing the curriculum holistically enriches the instructional practices of teachers and adds depth and meaning to children's school experiences, this guide is intended to: (1) encourage teachers who have doubts about using literature in their content area classes; (2) support those presently using literature to teach; and (3) share some of the joy that can be found in children's books. The guide offers practical suggestions for class activities and techniques to help classroom teachers blend the subject areas across the lines of time and disciplines--rather than treating each subject as an isolated cell, natural connections can be made among science, social studies, mathematics, art, and music. The guide stresses that it is language arts, however, that forms the catalyst binding all the content areas. After an introduction, chapters in the guide are: Literature in the Curriculum; Benefits of Literature for Teachers and Children; Enriching Textbooks through Literature; Using Literature Thematically; Writing and Literature in Content Areas; and Getting Started with Literature. Contains references. (NKA)