Offers a suggestion to extend the K-W-L instructional activity (which helps young learners develop appropriate questions for research and organizing what they know) by adding another column: the "where" column, which helps young learners focus on where specific information can be located. Offers an example drawn from work with nine-year…

Describes a method by which gifted and able students can conduct research on a topic of interest to them in order to develop their reading and writing skills in a meaningful context. (FL)

Shows that before students can begin doing research and inquiry on their own, they need to experience extensive nonfiction reading and writing and learn to generate questions and find resources. Offers a list of strategies and ideas that will help prepare the teacher, students, parents, and other teachers for the inquiry process. (SR)

Argues that, especially in the intermediate grades, keying into students' personal interests is a powerful motivator for learning. Illustrates this with the story of a formerly excellent student who became disillusioned with school in fifth grade, becoming resistant and disruptive. Describes how a project approach to reading and writing that…