Presents three a three step technique for drama reading in the classroom: read the play silently, read the play orally, and read the play orally, acting it out with the script in hand. (RB)

Presents a rationale for teaching creative dramatics, including objectives, techniques, and activities. (RB)

Discusses proper procedures and mechanics for carrying out individualized instruction in the elementary classroom which will provide the children with a new view of their individual competencies. (RB)

This article explains the components of the reading box and trading program wherein each student creates an activity box based on books. The boxes contain books, comprehension folders, and games and activities for developing language arts, reading and thinking skills. (KC)

Suggestions are made for classroom activities to improve children's language skills. (JD)

A teacher of gifted and talented primary students discusses ways to approach the subject of death and dying. Five class activities are presented which are designed to encourage fluency, risk taking, curiosity, and imagination through language arts and art. (CL)

Presents an activity to connect language arts, social studies, and technology in a meaningful way while encouraging students not only to read for details but to "read between the lines" and draw conclusions about a historical figure's inner thoughts and personality. Notes that the biopoem is a simple 10-line poem with a specific, easy-to-follow…

Outlines the Cooperative Integrated Reading and Composition (CIRC) program, a sequenced and structured reading/language arts program used by elementary level students at Bracher School in Santa Clara, California. Describes several cooperative reading and writing activities used in this program. (MM)

Describes how high school students can give J. Alfred Prufrock (from T.S. Eliot's serious poem "The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock") a "makeover" so he can acquire more self-confidence. Shows how this makeover exercise can lead students to a deeper general understanding and appreciation of complex literary characters and of a…

Describes how one high school English teacher uses puns on a regular basis to augment his vocabulary reviews. Argues that doing so aids in developing students' vocabulary, since it compels students to pay closer attention and gives many students a chance to display their creative-thinking skills. (SR)

Discusses issues related to young gay and lesbian students in high school English classes. Offers two examples of addressing gay issues in class, and discusses reading and writing around gay issues. Lists several strategies English teachers can use to reduce stereotyping and create an open environment for self-exploration and expression around…

Describes eight assorted activities, all based on the use of almanacs, that offer high-interest activities developing skills which students can use in other, later work--activities that can be interspersed throughout the year during those unplannable days that occur at the ends of units, on days before breaks, or when everyone needs a break from…

Maintains that viewing should be incorporated as an integral element in whole language curricula. Suggests a number of activities for the secondary school language arts classroom, pertaining to specific tenets of the whole language approach. (TB)

Offers some ground rules for using collaborative learning effectively in the secondary English class. Describes three assignments involving collaborative effort that the author has used successfully in her teaching. (SR)