Investigates how the writing of some Year 6 children was influenced by exposure to the work of a contemporary author of children's literature and through reading a variety of fairy stories, tales and nursery rhymes. Concludes the children's awareness of story structure resulted in thought-provoking short stories with intertextual references. (PM)

Presents poems and activities that help students explore poetry. Poems about poetry are a good introduction to studying literature and verse. The article explains how to discuss poetry and literature and offers appropriate activities. A handbook on introducing poetry to children and a student page on approaching poetry are included. (SM)

Argues that teachers should facilitate and promote the admission of children into the "literacy club," but notes that many teacher-education students are not yet active, passionate members of the literacy club. Describes using "reading clubs" in teacher-education courses to expose preservice teachers to the passion and joy of…

Discusses the "Teachers as Readers" movement, which focuses on teachers reading children's literature and responding personally to the literature as readers. Concludes that the Teachers as Readers movement is an effective tool for teacher renewal and for professional development. Suggests that participation in Teachers as Readers groups…

Offers overviews of 13 recent predictable books for children, noting books that invite drama activities and books that lead to writing activities. Suggests ways to help young children become confidant and joyful readers and writers. (SR)

To examine the effects of traditional reading programs on children's attitudes toward reading and what influence children's literature might have on such attitudes, a study proposed a possible rationale for incorporating children's literature into the curriculum to provide a more balanced reading program for students. The study compiled 60…

Describes how the educational experience of sixth grade remedial readers was revitalized and enriched through a project that grew out of reading "Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes." Suggests using "real" books (literature) to liberate remedial students from skill drills and reading games. (NH)

Reports that librarians in Nebraska find the Golden Sower Award program to be a positive force in influencing children's reading habits and awareness of literature. (FL)

Explores the change in attitudes toward young adult literature since it developed in the 1960s, and considers the future of the genre. (EL)

Reflects upon rekindled enthusiasm by teachers for children's literature and upon the lean years when teachers stressed reading skills and disdained the use of literature in class. (EL)

Students' personal responses to literature provide the focus that makes a reading curriculum effective. Teachers can create a classroom that instills positive attitudes towards reading by providing a variety of reading materials, encouraging students to share responses, and by not using literature as a camouflage for teaching reading skills. (DF)

A study examined whether students' reading ability affected their level of aesthetic reading response when reading level-appropriate literature. During the study, 28 fifth graders read books and wrote responses to what they read. Responses were scored on a rubric valuing aesthetic responses that demonstrated personal experiences. Students' reading…

Children's literature is surveyed, beginning with Victorian authors and concentrating on twentieth century children's books written in the United States. The argument is made that the "problem novel," now so popular in the United States, does not extend the reader's experience, and that it is driving out finer kinds of children's books. (PP)

Discusses the need for providing information on children's books for parents, and describes the development of such a course for parents by a children's librarian. The format of the course and topics covered are presented, as well as the reactions of participating parents. Extensive references are included. (BK)

Describes and evaluates a remedial reading strategy--assisted reading--which uses a motivating series of popular children's books to improve the performance of remedial readers. (MM)