Maintains that primary school teachers should increase the emphasis on narrative and expository textual experiences. Children should be exposed to a variety of reading experiences through a classroom library, the practice of reading aloud, and children's magazines. (BB)

Maintains that children's books such as "The Secret Garden" can have a strong influence on one's life. Such books offer emotionally satisfying adventures and serve as the touchstones by which we measure all literary experience. (BB)

Presents two kindergarten teachers' accounts of the use of the whole language approach to children's learning in class. Describes the reading of a children's book to a public kindergarten class and the subsequent literacy-related activities. (BB)

Discusses ways in which various aspects of language or words may be addressed by using children's literature. Such use generates an interest in language and words that carries over into children's reading, writing, listening, and speaking. (BB)

Presents an annotated selection of historical fiction and biography picture books for primary grade children. Suggests ideas for a jackdaw--a collection of artifacts related to the contents and historical setting of a story. (BB)

Reviews five books: "Garbage Pizza, Patchwork Quilts and Math Magic" (Ohanian), about elementary math instruction; "Ready for What?" (Graue), on school readiness; "The Braid of Literature: Children's Worlds of Reading" (Wolf and Heath); "The Best Years of Their Lives" (Zvirin), a book of resources for teenagers; and "Teaching and Learning in the…

Discusses the use of jackdaws, collections of artifacts generating a visual representation of a time period, and historical fiction in the classroom to bring history alive for students. Reports on the success of jackdaws in an early-childhood classroom and in a university setting with preservice teachers. Includes jackdaws and related historical…

Discusses how, by taking advantage of naturally occurring events in the classroom and at home, adults can help young children acquire five important scientific processes: observing, comparing, classifying, measuring, and communicating. Stresses the importance of science-related children's literature as a component of the science curriculum, as…

Examines how one Korean kindergarten used picture books to facilitate children's creativity. Describes students' responses to literature-based science activities related to a picture book. Concludes that good picture books can unleash children's minds from conventional science activities and that the development of the children's ideas depended on…

Asserts that because many teachers embrace the use of literature in their classrooms and use many avenues for responding to books, social action can be an important addition to the repertoire of response strategies. Examines support for activism from both the social studies and literacy education communities, and offers guidelines and resources…

Examines the interplay of text, illustrations, and book design elements, using examples from children's books. Discusses the impact of book design on young readers' responses, and presents ideas for acquainting children with specific book design elements. Suggests that class activities in book design can improve children's visual and verbal…

Notes that early childhood teachers need to encourage language and literacy development in a culturally responsive way, by acknowledging students' home culture, encouraging collaboration between students of different backgrounds, and setting the same standards of achievement for all students. Provides examples of culturally responsive learning…

Reviews four professional books: (1) "Changing Teaching, Changing Schools. Bringing Early Childhood Practice into Public Education: Case Studies from the Kindergarten" (O'Connell); (2) "Whole Language Plus: Essays on Literacy in the United States and New Zealand" (Cazden); (3) "Audacious Kids: Coming of Age in America's…

A kindergarten teacher and a language development teacher collaborated in using a thematic literature activity, in which kindergartners focused on a book which was read to them, discussed it, and engaged in related dramatic play; discussed feelings and drew pictures; and recalled earlier sessions of the activity. The kindergarten teacher extended…

Lists activities to encourage children to use language to validate their experiences. The activities provide opportunities for children to write expressively, guide children to read and respond to literature, help children reflect on their own reading and writing, teach children to respond to each other's writing, and integrate drama into literary…