Describes a CD-ROM adventure story written by the author to educate her students about the word relationships of synonyms and antonyms. Discusses how this interactive medium put a different twist on each of the stages of the writing process itself. Relates how two students enthusiastically used the program, and were inspired to write one of their…

Shares some lesser known generalities and historical influences that have influenced the English spelling system. Argues that teachers can help students discover some of the patterns and complexities of English spelling and together explore the rich and fascinating story of how this printed language has developed and changed over time, thus…

Suggests some children's literature selections with mathematical connections, and presents activities to integrate language arts and mathematics. (Contains 37 references.) (ASK)

The author explores the advantages and disadvantages of integrated curriculum in the middle school setting. She reviews several models for integrated curriculum and guidelines for creating a successful integrated curriculum. A ready-to-use middle school unit on the American Revolution is also presented. Nine complete lessons are provided for…

This resource book is one in a series containing lesson plans for grades 1-3 designed to support children's literature books sharing familiar social studies themes. "Celebrations" presents eight different children's books related to the theme. For each book social studies concepts are presented, followed by four activities called "windows." Some…

This summary reviews the rationale for defining English language arts standards for K-12 students and the perspective on language learning that informs them. After presenting 2 of the 12 standards and discussing them briefly, the summary provides a vignette to illustrate how the standards might be manifested in a classroom setting. (RS)

This paper consists of some preliminary tips for teachers on how to hold portfolio conferences followed by 25 specific suggestions presented in the right hand column of a chart; the left-hand column contains related comments under the heading of "General Organizational Structure." A variety of portfolio conferences can be conducted in…

The result of a move in the State of New Jersey to establish a common core of knowledge and skills in specified high school courses, this paper presents the core course proficiencies for English courses students take to meet high school graduation requirements in English (Language Arts). The paper first briefly discusses the background, purpose,…

Five teachers developed and tested creative, subtle approaches to the use of aging-related source material in language arts activities, an effort which resulted in this volume of 14 self-contained activities. These activities have been successfully field-tested in junior or senior high school classes, resulting in gains in language arts skills,…

The guide presents suggestions for enrichment activities emphasizing poetry for gifted and talented intermediate students. Information is arranged according to objectives, entry skills, teacher's approaches, student activities, and resources. The following poetry-related topics are addressed: poetic license; metaphors; poetry charades;…

This article describes Readers Theater (a form of group storytelling in which two or more readers present a piece of literature by reading aloud from hand-held scripts) and advocates its use in the classroom. The paper's seven sections are as follows: (1) What is Readers Theater; (2) Readers Theater and Its Conventions (discussing scripts,…

Research from various fields supports the crucial relationship of speech and writing. Experience with the Story Workshop used in composition classes can show how thinking, speaking, listening, reading, writing, recalling, and immediate audience focus can be integrated into every phase of the writing process. Activities must enable students find…

Reading aloud is an essential part of the classroom instructional program, along with direct instruction and sustained silent reading or book contact, and should not be slighted despite the numerous time demands from other sources. Reading aloud to children provides opportunities for introducing children to good literature and encourages language…

Intended to acquaint students and parents with the English program at Bellaire High School (Michigan), this guide contains the curriculum for grades 7 through 12. After a short introduction stating the program's philosophy and student requirements, a style sheet for all student papers, and a list of the program's sequence, the curriculum for each…

This curriculum guide outlines the language arts skills, levels of instruction, and suggested classroom activities for instruction from kindergarten through grade six. The first section of the guide contains course content outlines for each grade level, listing learner objectives, the skills associated with these objectives, and the page numbers…