Semantic mapping is effective with expository prose but not as effective with narrative prose. To achieve a better understanding of narrative prose, yet still keep the benefits of semantic mapping, the traditional approach can be modified into a technique called "episodic mapping." Episodic mapping is based on the idea that most stories…

A three-stage lesson sequence that used story grammars to teach plot development has been proved successful with a group of eight above average third grade students reading Deborah and James Howe's "Bunnicula." The first stage was a training unit designed to familiarize children with a typical story grammar's parts: a theme and plot…

A study measured the effects that direct instruction in narrative text structure using a story map (called "macrostruction") had on the comprehension of average and above average sixth-grade readers. A 2 x 2 x 2 repeated measures design was used with time, text, and treatment as the independent variables. The number of story grammar idea…

Discusses "story grammar" strategies, such as self-questioning, story maps, character and plot development, and comparison and contrast of similar stories, which can be used to help elementary students with learning disabilities or low-achieving students improve their reading and writing skills. Activities are described for each…

Describes a technique that combines the use of a story grammar strategy with cooperative learning procedures to promote greater reading comprehension. Step-by-step instructions for cooperative story mapping are provided, along with an illustration of a story map. The implications for special and remedial education are also discussed. (Author/CR)

Part of a series, the purpose of this low-readability/high interest book is to enable students to use higher order thinking to develop their reading comprehension skills. The reading skills addressed in the book are based on state reading standards and assessment tests for grades three and four. The goal of this series is to teach students how to…

Part of a series, the purpose of this low-readability/high interest book is to use higher order thinking to develop students' reading comprehension skills. The reading skills addressed in the book are based on state reading standards and assessment tests for grades five and six. The goal of the series of books is to teach students how to analyze…

Presents reading/writing units based on story grammar techniques and intended for students in grades one through six. (FL)

This book helps teachers introduce story elements to children in the primary grades. The book's lessons and activities complement the learning goals teachers have for their classes. The book is divided into sections on character, plot, setting, and theme. It has an introduction at the beginning of each section to bring the learning goals for that…

In English for speakers of other languages (ESOL), there is renewed interest in use of literature in the communicative classroom. Literature may be part of a communicative pedagogy in three ways: (1) by providing a context in which to develop students' reading strategies and knowledge of non-fiction and literary texts; (2) by being the basis of an…

Fourteen conference papers on classroom techniques for second language teaching are presented, including: "Cooperative Learning at the Post-Secondary Level in Japan" (Steve McGuire, Patricia Thornton, David Kluge); "Shared Inquiry Fosters Critical Thinking Skills in EFL Students" (Carol Browning, Jerold Halvorsen, Denise…

Papers from an international conference on language teaching/learning are presented by topic and grouped under seven sections. An introductory section contains two papers on cultural diversity and world English. The second section, on teacher development, contains papers on these topics: teacher development and socialization; teachers' responses…