Multigenre texts are a recent trend in children's books. These types of books can enhance students' comprehension and provide models of various types of writing genres. They can be used in differentiating instruction and increasing fluency when transformed into readers' theater texts. Many examples of multigenre books are provided in this article.

Notes that teachers need to demonstrate a love of reading in order to pass it on to their students. Discusses ways to encourage a love of reading through book groups, reading goals, daily oral and silent reading, and sharing the impact of reading with students. (SC)

Offers reflections of three professors of literacy education regarding their varied field experiences with preservice teachers enrolled in their reading/language arts methods courses. Describes each field experience and discusses its impact on classroom teachers, elementary students, college students, and college professors. Offers some general…

States that the influence of the home environment on children's learning has long been recognized as significant. Presents some exemplary programs and guiding principles that teachers can share with parents to promote their children's literacy. Lists 10 simple reading-writing activities that could be shared with parents at an open house or…

Lists the dangers of readability formulas and concludes that while they may be a necessary evil, they should not be used as the underlying structure of a reading program. (FL)

Describes an autobiographical writing assignment in which preservice teachers reflect on their past language experiences in order to examine the important elements of language development. Presents samples from student essays demonstrating that the factors influencing language development are varied and yet consistent. (RS)

Suggests that both boys and girls are interested in sports and recreation. Describes activities which utilize the topic of sports to highlight diverse vocabulary terms, encourage playing with language, and develop listening and writing skills. Provides an annotated bibliography of sports books for children. (ARH)

Advocates using literature logs and literature discussion groups as an effective way to develop a community of readers. Looks at the different kinds of comments and questions that a class of fifth graders wrote in their literature logs. (SR)

Discusses at-risk students' attitudes toward reading and their varying levels of response to literature. Finds that students' attitudes toward reading improved after one semester of discussion groups. Presents excerpts from classroom discussions. Discusses elements to encourage response. (RS)

Describes how poetry can be used with the different types of creative drama, including finger plays, pantomime and movement, Readers Theater, sensory awareness, storytelling, choral reading, action poems, role playing, and characterization. (MG)