Reflecting on 45 years of teaching and research, Lee Galda argues that practice based on transactional theory is essential for the effective teaching of literature.

Readers, texts, and readings can take unpredictable and seemingly tangential detours that educators might find undesirable and difficult to control. Readers can stray far from the text to seek out desired meanings. In the same way, media outlets can reappropriate favorite literary fictions in ways that can perturb educators and readers alike.…

Presents remarks from a distinguished educator regarding educational philosophy, reader response, and how to teach children's literature. (SR)

Reveals four different categories of teacher-student books conferences. Reports findings of a study of four children's book conferences over a year that shows the teacher preferring different foci with different students. (FL)

Summarizes the knowledge acquired from the reading research reported in "Becoming a Nation of Readers" and draws implications for reading instruction. (HOD)

Discusses a study of the moral meanings first through third graders found as they participated in literature-study groups at Valley View Elementary School (Connecticut). Defines morality and four types of "moral talk" observed in the classroom, and asserts that literature analysis offers a powerful tool for fostering moral development. Contains 14…

Describes 12 successful practices for literature programs which evolved as students and teachers talked about books. Finds that these practices minimize the basalization of literature and maximize the analysis of and dialogue about literature. (MG)

Explores the interaction between readers and books through classroom observations of 10 and 11 year olds reading and discussing the book "Bill's New Frock" (Anne Fine). Reactions from the 32 participating students appear to confirm the notion that girls and boys are treated differently. Included is a survey of the literature on feminist theories…

Offers 58 suggestions for eliciting students' responses to literature, which will enhance reading development, critical thinking, writing quality, and personal expression. Includes writing activities, speaking activities about a book, drama presentations, media presentations, artistic representations, and literature response journal entries. Notes…