Provides an overview of genre theory and offers a brief history of recent debates regarding genre. Argues that a social theory of genre is essential in reconceptualizing the English Language Arts as they are affected by globally active forces, toward a curriculum with innovation and creativity in the center. (SR)

Presents a series of conversations with distinguished educator Brian Cambourne, recipient of the National Council of Teachers of English's Outstanding Educator award. Discusses learning to read, Cambourne's doctoral dissertation, why the conditions of learning are important, three categories of beliefs about "literacy," the politics of…

Discusses one approach to teaching fourth graders about death through children's literature. (DD)

Presents the characteristics of the more popular spelling theories, describes how the optimal spelling system would work, reviews recent research on spelling, and draws implications for the teaching of spelling. (DD)

Reconsiders the nature of literature as a school subject. Discusses the notion that school literature is different from reading literature outside school. Discusses three anomalies: the text and the textbook; educators' idolatry of "naive readers" whose heads are to be stuffed; and the roles of the reader and writer in school programs.…

Provides an update on the progress being made at the National Research Center on Literature Teaching and Learning. Discusses research-in-progress with teachers struggling to adapt their instruction to a response-based approach to reading literature. Presents a framework of optional strategies for teachers. (RS)

Focuses on important background information for working with English language learners. Uses two vignettes to illustrate some important issues that teachers may wish to consider when making instructional decisions with their English language learners. Explores the best practices for working with English language learners. (SG)

Learning stations were planned that combined the teaching of English skills with History content.

Suggests language activities that students could be involved in as mini-units of one or two class periods or as individual projects on career education. (DD)

Discusses how elementary education gradually became a concern of the newly founded National Council of Teachers of English and how the Council in turn set about to influence elementary school language arts instruction during its first 50 years. (HTH)

Contains representative selections from issues of "The Elementary English Review," a precursor to "Language Arts," during its second decade of publication. Includes articles, editorials, and ads reflecting contemporary concerns of English education still relevant today, such as integrating the language arts and school closings.…

Examines psychologist David R. Olson's current work on children's language development and its possible educational implications. Stresses the increasing tendency to investigate children's language development in relation to their thinking and learning rather than in isolation and to include literacy development in the oral language development…

Applies components of visual literacy to language acquisition and the development of language skills. Lists visual language competencies, with examples and suggested learning activities. (RL)

Reflects upon teachers' experiences in using core literature pieces to develop units of study. Raises concerns related to the weakly connected instructional activities generated in the planning of units focused on these teacher-selected literature works. Challenges educators to consider a process for developing conceptually related literature…