Noting that traditional measures of textbook difficulty and traditional measures of student reading ability suffer from a lack of correspondence, this booklet deals with the problems of (1) identifying the levels of conceptual difficulty of text materials, (2) identifying students' abilities to understand text materials, (3) matching the…

Argues that English teachers should expose students to the craft of play production. Suggests building a drama unit from the production approach and presents an example of such a unit. (FL)

Provides an annotated bibliography of sources that will help teachers select materials and structure activities in oral interpretation, readers theatre, improvisation, and creative speaking for the English classroom. (MM)

Implications for citizenship education in "The Paideia Proposal" and "Paideia Problems and Possibilities" are discussed. Teacher education should develop skills necessary for the Socratic method of seminar discussion and require readings of historical documents such as the "Declaration of Independence." (PP)

The Teachers as Readers Project, originally developed by the American Association of Publishers, helps teachers encourage students to become lifelong readers. Teachers as Readers Book Groups consist of teachers and librarians who meet on a regular basis to read and discuss the same literature--at least four quality children's or adolescents' books…

Middle school students should be involved in seeking and selecting reading materials that ensure the attention of the learner. A wide variety of topics for learners to select from in choosing sequential trade books is a must. Sequential books selected by the middle school student should harmonize with his/her present level of achievement in…

A teacher who once relied on a reading skills program describes her conversion to an approach that emphasizes the reading of books. A substantial part of each class period is set aside for free reading time. A sampling of book projects used to focus students' efforts is included. (PP)

Reports on the author's shift from depending on popular adolescent novels to the more traditional "classics" as the reading materials for his literature classes. (RL)

Argues that using the themes and stories of humans' earliest heritage can enhance language and learning for children. (FL)

Discusses the positive qualities of teen paperback romances that may be perceived by adolescents but not by adult readers. Guidelines to aid school librarians in evaluating teen romances and suggesting books to young readers are presented. A bibliography of seven teen romances is also provided. (CLB)

A "Signability Index" is presented for sign language interpretation of children's books. The index is based on such variables as reading rate, sentence length, quantity of text used to express thoughts, word imagery, and complexity and concreteness of passages. Suggested books for classroom reading are listed, categorized by six levels of…

This article defines critical reading, discusses associated frameworks, and lists considerations for choosing topics and reading materials. A sample critical reading lesson using a "mapping" approach with a reading on euthanasia demonstrates guiding secondary learning-disabled students in critical reading. (DB)

Examines the Organization of American Historians' (OAH) "Magazine of History," a specialized journal devoted to the teaching of history. Praises the magazine's interesting, colorful, and accessible treatment of historical subjects, methods, and controversies. Summarizes several innovative articles from recent theme issues. (MJP)

This article discusses ways service providers can enhance their working relationships with families of children with special needs. It offers practical guidelines to service providers when selecting materials they plan to use and share with children and their families, such as curriculum packages, information packets, brochures, CD-ROMS,…

Written for teachers of adult literacy students and administrators of literacy programs, this book discusses a multitude of ways to use books appropriate for adult new readers. The book's first six chapters provide annotated lists of 639 books suitable for new readers, including titles, authors, dates, publishers, and suggested reading levels.…