Describes a program of oral interpretation of poetry for children as a springboard into the language arts program. Describes the poetic nature of children, acknowledges rhythm as an important component of spoken language and poetry, and suggests possibilities for bringing children and poetry together through rhythmical experiences. (JMF)

Describes how performing Shel Silverstein's poems is an effective method to practice oral expression. Notes that although this activity was used in a fourth grade class, it could be adapted to any grade level. (MM)

Choral reading can be used by teachers to enhance children's appreciation for poetry and to develop their personal, social, psychological, cognitive/affective, and language values. It is useful for teachers to begin by creating an awareness in children of the basic elements of choral reading: tempo, rhythm, pitch, stress, and juncture. Then an…

Describes how one elementary school teacher recreated the drama of his own childhood encounters with literature by dramatically reading poetry to his students. (ARH)

Discusses the advantages of actively using poetry in the classroom, such as development of students' language and communications skills, imagery and aesthetic appreciation, and confidence in reading and oral presentation. Offers examples of poems used on a monthly basis in the classroom, how they are used, and ways to integrate poetry with other…

This collection of abstracts is part of a continuing series providing information on recent doctoral dissertations. The seven titles deal with the following topics: (1) the effect of relaxation training on anxiety for the poetry recitation tasks among elementary school children; (2) musical theatre in higher education; (3) developing faith…

This book provides teachers, children, and parents with knowledge about children's literature and the oral interpretation of it. The procedures, suggestions, and resources in the book are intended to develop oral interpretation skills in the young reader and to assist the adult reader in improving his own skills. The content is divided into five…

Using verse choir increases students' confidence and helps them appreciate the joy of literature. (HOD)

This collection of abstracts is part of a continuing series providing information on recent doctoral dissertations. The 12 titles deal with the following topics: (1) awareness of self, awareness of environment, mental imagery, communicative competency, and theatrical improvisation; (2) the evolution of scenography in the Western theatre; (3)…

This pamphlet was written to provide guidance on the teaching of literature in the Scottish primary and secondary schools. An introduction points out the reasons for teaching literature and suggests criteria by which to select worthwhile texts and plan programs. The place of oral literature and poetry in the primary school and the need for primary…