Examines some of the assumptions behind the imitation of writing models and questions the power of using this model for improving writing performance. (HTH)

Illustrates how all of the language arts are used by teachers and students to uncover the imaginative potential of language and their creative potential. Models ways of thinking about and investigating how instructional experiences, including classroom activities and the ways teachers interact with students, affect learning. (HTH)

Describes how students set up a database or collection of favorite poems on the classroom computer. (HTH)

Explores the three broad thrusts of literature curricula, noting that no test can cover all three. Discusses how the content and objectives of the literature curriculum can be specified and how test questions can be developed for the evaluation of literature comprehension. (HTH)

Laments the discrepancy between the process approach to reading and writing instruction advocated in research and the skills approach manifested in homework assignments. Decries the unsatisfactory role this kind of homework forces parents to assume. (HTH)

Explores several concepts relevant to instructional materials that emerged from seminars sponsored by the National Council of Teachers of English and the International Reading Association. Describes how basal readers--so prevalent in instruction--fall short of these concepts, and what can be done to improve instruction. (HTH)

Describes a project to integrate teaching of the separate language arts in three California elementary schools. Includes the philosophical statements of the project; guidelines; activities for before, during, and after reading; and a positive evaluation of the project. (HTH)

Discusses four British educational practices dealing with reading instruction, written language, copybooks, and oral language and how they differ from American practices. (HTH)

Points out the many people who influence what goes on in classrooms, and relying on insights gained from research on language interaction, offers guidelines for communicating with these complex audiences--parents, administrators, policymakers, politicians, and the general public. (HTH)

Addresses two concerns about how educational reforms are being carried out: (1) the definitions being used to determine what is basic in education, and (2) the tests being used to measure those "basic skills." Suggests some solutions for teachers who recognize the legitimacy of public concern and the necessity of public support. (HTH)

Presents an annual list of outstanding books that need an introduction by a teacher or other knowledgeable adult in order to be fully appreciated by children. (HTH)

South American educator and author Freire discusses qualities important for the teacher, his vision of education and the growth of young children, and the role of language and reading in that vision. (HTH)

Describes the growing autonomy of three young siblings as they wrote in the poetic function over a five-year period. Includes samples of the children's poetry. (HTH)

Presents conversations of a group of fifth graders collaborating on a social studies task to illustrate how childen use language to learn. Focuses on one student whose oral language was rapid and chaotic but who demonstrated extremely sophisticated and complex structuring of knowledge to understand a particular social studies concept. (HTH)

Describes examining seventh- and eighth-grade students' writing for both function and audience as they relate to learning and conceptual development. Includes examples illustrating how audience influenced students' understanding of concepts in a science class. (HTH)