The importance of adolescent literacy is well established, and the topic continues to be of both local and national interest. Practitioners need to know not only which programs and practices appear effective, but which have the scientific evidence to support that claim. To identify effective programs and practices for general education students in…

The implementation of effective instructional materials, such as a core reading program, by a qualified teacher is an important part of improving students' reading achievement. But selecting those instructional materials can be time-consuming. Regional Educational Laboratory (REL) Southeast created this rubric for evaluating reading/language arts…

A monthly exchange of tips, projects, ideas and resources. (Editor)

Explains how classroom cookery can be used in the elementary school language arts program. Emphasizes ways it can improve reading skills and provides a listing of cookbooks for children. (FL)

The author introduces 10 articles on language arts and learning disabilities (LD) and presents evidence for her contention that reading should be viewed within the context of a general model of language. For related information see EC 132 759-768. (CL)

Discusses the phonics v whole-word controversy in the teaching of reading and defends the use of the phonics approach for certain purposes. (DD)

Article considered the ingredients for effective teaching of language arts. (RK)

A monthly exchange of tips, projects, ideas and resources. (Editor)

Assimilation and accommodation are two approaches for developing language arts curricula for gifted elementary grade students. Some adaptations, such as more individualized reading may be readily assimilated into existing curricula. Other changes, such as providing opportunities for technical writing, require more accommodation of current methods,…

Presents a language arts unit designed to create bridges between the real world and the story in order to help children develop both social understanding and reading comprehension skills. (FL)

Reading aloud is an essential part of the classroom instructional program, along with direct instruction and sustained silent reading or book contact, and should not be slighted despite the numerous time demands from other sources. Reading aloud to children provides opportunities for introducing children to good literature and encourages language…

Why does one classroom hum with productivity and enthusiasm and the one next door sag under the weight of the work? To understand the invisible forces within a classroom of busy children, people must look beneath the surface to the relationships that shape behavior and determine daily patterns of teaching and learning. This book focuses on the web…

Drawing on 8 years of classroom-centered research, the Book Club program integrates instruction in reading, writing, speaking, and listening. Student-led discussion groups form the heart of the program, and they provide a real-world context for learning that motivates children and fosters the development of both academic and social skills. This…

Contains representative selections from issues of "The Elementary English Review," a precursor to "Language Arts," during its first decade of publication. Includes articles, editorials, and ads reflecting contemporary educational concerns still relevant today, such as the reading and writing relationship and teaching children…

Because both whole language and traditional skill-based instruction have strengths, educators should use a combined approach that includes direct instruction in phonics and reading comprehension skills along with whole language instruction. (Author/TE)