Designed with children in mind, this workbook lays out the fundamentals of the italic alphabet so that it can be used by teachers and other adults as a guide in teaching children. The workbook is based on the idea that, besides being both "beautiful and readable," the italic alphabet has the advantage of presenting a logical progression…

Biographical writing is highly imaginative writing and always has been. The task of the biographer is to weave a riveting story from the fabric of the subject's life. For example, a single pivotal incident in the lives of Percy Bysshe Shelley, the English poet, and Mary Godwin, author of "Frankenstein", at the grave of Mary's mother,…

Describes such Story Workshop activities as beginning recall exercises, word exercises, oral readings, writing assignments, and tutorial conferences. (DD)

Describes method in which students write a draft requiring some writing skill before learning about that skill. Concludes that predrafting (1) enforces first-drafting; (2) shows students their natural writing abilities; (3) emphasizes discovery of substance first, rules and form second; (4) promotes an active student role; (5) arranges learning in…

Reviews desirable features that current word processing programs have that can be used to enhance writing instruction. Provides a list of programs in three categories: (1) idea processors; (2) enhanced word processors; and (3) word processors with graphics capabilities. Each entry includes publisher, hardware compatibility, current price, and…

Strategies developed by teachers for using word processing software in writing programs for grades K-6 are presented. These strategies will work with just one computer in a classroom. Two software programs are described. (MT)

Issues related to the teaching of typing are discussed, focusing on the need for typing skills when using computers. Also compares use of the "QWERTY" to the Dvorak keyboards, considering the advantages and disadvantages of each. (JN)

The author emphasizes the importance of encouraging creativity in hearing impaired students' writing and offers suggestions to release the spontaneity. (CL)

Outlines one school's approach to using microcomputers to help teach writing skills in high school. (MD)

The article describes the purposes of free-choice writing in a class of hearing impaired kindergarteners. Implications for writing instruction include the need for stressing writing as communication, planning activities based on student interest, and providing opportunities for students to explore and experiment. (CL)

Seventh-, eighth-, and ninth-grade special needs students in a remedial reading class were asked to write as many words as possible in six minutes. Students compete with themselves with no penalties for spelling or grammar errors. The activity is designed to make writing a natural and pleasurable activity. (CL)

Because children are experts in at least one subject--themselves--their best written work is usually autobiographical. This article suggests various specific autobiographical writing assignments teachers might want to use with their students. (JMK)

An approach to teaching writing and reading to learning disabled adolescents involves controlling the vowel from the simplist word constructions to the most difficult of orthographic constructions. Teaching strategies are based on a model that views most words as regular (categorical)--some more regular (categorical) than others. (Author)

Explains how to use various periodicals to demonstrate to composition students that writing style is both accessible and controllable. (AEA)

Describes problems facing writing teacher in second language composition/conversation programs at college level. Suggests second language departments should incorporate a writing course into programs, separate from conversation classes, with individualized format. (Author/BK)