Asks whether the common practice that has been termed "Circle Time" and its variations are a useful classroom practice. Analyzes the ways teachers employ circle time. Critiques the practice of circle time. Argues that the quality of learning is dependent on the quality of reflection by teachers concerning their practice, not on gimmicks.…

Considers the role of teacher-researchers, who try to analyze their own teaching and their students' learning for the purpose of benefiting both. Narrates the development of a teacher-researcher's projects and the program of reading informing the projects. Presents a picture of the teacher-researcher movement at a crucial moment in its emergence.…

Describes the recent revival of interest in the use of nursery rhymes as tools for the development of early phonic knowledge in children. Traces the historical evolution of nursery rhymes and their origins in the world of carnival. Questions whether such material is proper for teaching surface features of reading. (HB)

Broadbased topic or project work, the environmental studies of the primary school and the interdisciplinary programs of the secondary school, provides an organizing principle under which children and teachers may engage in a variety of activities. (Author)

This curriculum guide, one of a series designed for use in kindergarten and the elementary grades, has been compiled with the recognition that the basic ingredients of a language arts program--composition, speaking, listening, literature, and problem solving--are interrelated and constantly complement one another and that this entire process is…

Examines how one secondary school department of English came together to work on poetry instruction with its contributing primary schools. Outlines the educational and organizational challenges involved in such a program. Supports attempts to work toward curriculum continuity between schools. (HB)

Examines responses of graduate students preparing to teach English to an invitation to relate something that was remarkable about their new classroom experiences. Considers the power of narrative for expressing emotions and intellectual growth. (HB)

Studies the currently influential theories about the nature and development of the child. Questions whether these theories usefully inform educational work with specific children in particular locations. Considers how these theories affect writing instruction for children and criticizes their effects on real children. (HB)

Proposes a curricular framework that provides an alternative view of "balance" in guided reading and literature discussion groups. Suggests several possible scenarios for the future of literature in classroom instruction. Presents a curricular model for a literature-rich classroom. (NH)

The problem of sex stereotyping in children's literature has been around for as long as the genre itself, but it was brought to the forefront because of the women's movement in the 1970s. From the 1700s, critics were aware of the problems that arose from children's literature and its portrayal of characters and ideas, including…

Widespread interest in English instruction and differing opinions about effective curriculums and useful materials indicate a need for a rationally conceived framework for the teaching of English as a unified discipline. The interrelatedness of the divisions of the discipline sustain the unity: language includes the structures and varieties of…

The research literature surrounding TGT, an instructional technique employing team competition, indicates that the technique facilitates social processes and academic achievement in the junior high school classroom. The present study extends the test of TGT by employing the technique in third grade classes, teaching basic language arts skills for…