Based in anthropology (Cole & Knowles, 2001), life history inquiry into literature emphasizes deep understandings of literary characters that are expressed through dramatic performance. For teachers or teacher-educators, life histories offer a powerful teaching strategy. Life histories support locating readers in a particular pattern or…

The intent of this article is to explore the scholarly influence of Philip W. Jackson through examining the spread of his scholarship and the ideas he generated. The research design of this paper is borrowed from a previous study (Ben-Peretz & Craig, 2018) about another distinguished curriculum scholar, Joseph J. Schwab. The work begins with a…

The focus of the article is on the different strands that shaped Seamus Heaney's sensibility. The first section examines the role played by the home and local community and the second explores the contribution of school and university. One of the most significant sources of his upbringing was the experience of living in a divided society. His…

Given the current marginalization of the social studies within elementary classrooms it is vital that elementary educators seek integrative techniques that promote the social studies. This article explores one such example of integration taught by the authors within an elementary classroom. The three-day lesson taught to fifth-grade students aimed…

My poetic inquiry contemplates possible exchanges between educator and learner in a writing intensive university course designed to invite collaborative co-authoring of embodied, emotive, and informed reflective responses to ongoing life narratives and histories expressed/performed. I intend to open up my inclusive learning environment to feelings…

Gerard Leonard and Kathleen Allen describe a variety of nature experiences as a part of the Montessori elementary tradition, beginning with a warning about the way contemporary life constrains children's experience of nature. Through a lyrical rendering of the nature-based expressions of children, Leonard and Allen look at a variety of approaches…

This article attempts to hold thought open in a textual space that often forecloses thought. The authors present arguments but work them through poetry, memoir, pictures, and exposition. They frame this work in particular as an improvisation around--and intervention into--more familiar practices of collective biography, narrative, and art…

As U.K. school exam results continue to rise, perennial accusations appear in the media of the "dumbing down" of the curriculum and of employers' complaints about school leavers' lack of basic literacy skills. In this context, Andrew Motion, the poet laureate, has raised questions about how to provide an inspiring English curriculum, the…

This article offers a brief biography of Nikki Grimes, who is fast becoming one of the most prolific and versatile African American poets for children of this time. She takes risks in her work and brings readers humor, pathos and sensitive views of life as she has lived and seen it. Born in Harlem, NY, on October 20, 1957, Nikki was sent to live…

This article presents a brief biography of Judith Viorst, best known for her children's picture books and poetry. Viorst's well-known and most unforgettable character Alexander was based on her youngest son. Alexander was featured by name in the title of three of Viorst's picture books. In fact, Viorst often has used her family life to provide…

This column cites five poets (Pat Mora, Jane Yolen, Lilian Moore, Gary Soto, and J. Patrick Lewis) that will be highlighted in the January to May 2006 issues. This information can be used to begin a Poet's Fan Club in the classroom. Groups of students can select a poet in order to prepare for a forthcoming Poet of the Month display. Another idea…

The problem of overrepresentation of students of color within special education classrooms persists, maintaining levels of segregation based on disability and/or race within widespread schooling practices. The voices of such students and how they understand their position in the education system are noticeably absent from traditional scholarship.…

This special subject volume on "Authors" was especially created to appeal to young readers in a format they can enjoy reading and readily understand. Each volume contains alphabetically arranged sketches. Each entry provides at least one picture of the individual profiled, and bold-faced rubrics lead the reader to information on birth,…

An enrichment program in literature for gifted sixth graders is discussed. It is explained that the course lasts for one year and meets for one hour three days a week. The nature and rationale of the course topics (biography, realistic fiction, poetry, and tragedy) are explored. (PHR)

Presents a profile of Myra Cohn Livingston who was best known as a children's poet and anthologist and also known for her teaching and mentoring of students and fellow writers through classes, lectures, and professional writings. Provides suggestions for extension ideas honoring the life and work of Livingston. Includes an annotated bibliography…