Many different ingredients are inherent in a quality program of reading instruction. These include word attack skills training and improving comprehension. One important facet of comprehension pertains to elements in the literary selection read by students. These elements include characterization, the story's setting, the theme of the story, and the plot. Journal writing is very useful in the literature curriculum. Each student may write entries related to what has been learned about characterization, setting, theme, or plot. Students need to be engaged actively in the literature curriculum, and the teacher has the responsibility to select activities and experiences that are of interest to the learner. Other ingredients of good teaching include: (1) establishing a purpose in learning; (2) promoting motivation in learning; (3) providing for individual differences; and (4) caring for others in the classroom. (SLD)