Describes how one English teacher, in conjunction with an art teacher, linked writing poetry with student art. Recounts the pairing of student artists with student poets. Explains the benefits of such a learning arrangement, in which an artist tries to capture graphically the meaning of a poem. (HB)

Argues that the study of humor should be worked into English curricula starting in middle school, taking students inside jokes to expose the subtle way humor can convey information, images, and assertions. Discusses understanding humor, reading humor, and writing humor. (SR)

Details the concept of transactional writing and clarifies why it belongs in the high school English curriculum. Defines transactional writing, relates it to expressive writing, and shows how it might be used by English teachers. (HB)

Lists and describes a number of narrative biographies written for children and concerning the life and times of Abraham Lincoln. Points out strengths and weaknesses of the main selections. (HB)

Describes the reasons that companies frequently misspell words that are part of product names. Provides many examples of such misspellings, along with an analysis of why the words were misspelled. (HB)

Explores a central conflict in the field of "writing across the disciplines": voice versus discourse, or process versus form. Argues that this conflict is founded on a false dichotomy. Argues that the concept of the "rhetoric of inquiry" is capable of connecting the two sides of the conflict in a new synthesis. (HB)

Details the various question about the place of literature in the modern high school English curriculum. Questions the ability of educators to formulate a literature pedagogy without reaching a consensus about the place of literature in the curriculum. (HB)

Examines and celebrates the power of literature and its effects on readers. Considers how literature invites readers to experience vicariously the inner secrets of its characters. Provides numerous illustrations from popular fiction. (HB)

Contends that some of the most alarming examples of classroom censorship of reading materials are undertaken by English teachers themselves. Gives evidence from a recent survey of high school English teachers in seven states. Documents the fears of losing jobs or of public censure because of controversial reading materials. (HB)

Considers the way two teachers have adopted storytelling as an instructional practice in English teacher preparation courses. Discusses how the "other" is represented in stories and questions the ethics of doing such storytelling. (HB)

Describes the way one teacher utilizes a variety of activities by which the power of language is analyzed and fostered among students of English. Describes methods for engaging students in language play, specifically through the use of puns. (HB)

Describes how one teacher taught poetry and its principles by relying mainly on poems written by her former and current students. Comments on why this approach seemed to bring out in students a true appreciation of poetry. (HB)

Gives an overview of how one English teacher tried to make connections between the many short stories that were being read in her English classroom. Claims that teachers should always try to make explicit connections between works of literature. Provides examples of how this was done in one class. (HB)

Considers the importance of "teaching the past" in the English classroom, including older texts. Disagrees with the notion that teaching the past is in trouble. Discusses recent trends in literary studies, especially cultural studies, and their possible effect on teaching the past. Gives advice for making older texts appealing in the…

Provides information about 11 educational groups or resource centers that are actively involved in initiating and promoting media education throughout Canada. Gives summaries of activities, addresses, names and phones numbers of contacts, and other information. (HB)