Classroom activities are suggested for improving the reading skills of elementary school students. Various approaches include tapes of children's reading, "real-life" reading, word-building connections, focus on sports, and parent involvement. (CJ)

Describes how an elementary teacher encouraged her students to read novels using cooperative group activities based on popular television shows. Students divided into groups, took different roles, read a novel, and made a presentation to the class. When they finished the novel, they selected a new activity. (SM)

Describes how to use portfolios to track elementary students' reading and writing progress, offering teacher-to-teacher tips on the most effective use of portfolios in the classroom. The article discusses student self-evaluation through portfolios, reading- and writing-portfolio conferences, and teachers as learners. (SM)

This issue is devoted to articles describing education games in language arts, social studies, science, reading, and mathematics for the use of the elementary classroom teacher. (JD)

The article explains how elementary teachers can strike a balance between whole language and traditional approaches to reading instruction, describing successful programs and sharing several teachers' suggestions for combining the two methods in the classroom. A list of reading resources is included. (SM)