Describes the benefits to be derived from storytelling and encourages the development of storytelling programs. (DD)

Describes assignment sequence introducing secondary school students to finding and interpreting quotes from assigned literature by having students (1) respond in journals to a quotation chosen by the teacher, (2) analyze characterization by illustrating character traits with quotations, (3) create a collage or mobile visually interpreting quote,…

Emphasizes the seriousness of language play, especially when it is used in classrooms that contain students with learning disabilities. (RL)

Provides sample classroom exercises to develop middle school and high school youngsters' sensitivity to language skills, spelling, and grammar. Includes riddles, puns, puzzles, and other games drawn from J. Shipley's "Word Play." (JG)

Describes classroom experiences while teaching a unit on Matisse to gifted students. (EL)

Contains a bibliography of reference books and a checklist of suggestions that focus on professional growth and on the creation of a more student-centered approach to the teaching of English in the 80s. (DD)

Inaugurates a new column addressed to those in language arts leadership positions, particularly the English department chair and the district and state supervisor or consultant, but also other English education administrators. Describes scope of the column and solicits suggestions for articles. Discusses the role of chairs and consultants in…

Urges the inclusion in planning and in-service education programs of effective ways teachers can interact with parents and students to help them understand the English language arts program. (DD)

Argues that problems in teaching grammar stem from failure to help students develop, as opposed to memorize, grammatical concepts. Recommends discussion of style and vocabulary, student stylistic analysis of their own writing, and deciphering syntactic use, not just definition, of parts of speech. Suggests that such training should begin in…

Describes an experiential lesson plan for using garden snails in secondary English. Shows how the observation of snails can be tied into reading, writing, and dramatics activities. (DF)

"Sight Unseen" by Mary Ann Beggs and "Language and Values" by Victoria J. Heland are provided to suggest techniques for exploring language through the five senses and through making ethical choices. (DD)

Describes teaching method in which junior high school students (1) take dictation of a sentence illustrating rules of usage; (2) copy it, punctuate it, and identify rules for its punctuation; and (3) discuss the sentence after the teacher writes it on the board. Notes that all low-average ninth graders thus trained passed the High School…

Enumerates reasons for using quotations as a staple in the English classroom, such as: to lend authority to words, to summarize a concept, to motivate or inspire, or to enhance vocabulary growth. (NKA)