Examines some of the reasons why the Bullock Report's recommendations for language instruction across the curriculum have not been fully implemented. Proposes a strategy using the "five languages" as a framework for a curriculum which may be more successful. (ARH)

Language arts teachers have usually restricted themselves to showing video interpretations of novels or filmed renderings of Shakespeare's plays, for fear of being labeled as that "person who shows movies." But film can be used as a "bridge" to other works of literature, i.e., terms, devices. For example, if the teacher wants…

The border between fact and fiction becomes blurred in legend, stories which themselves have a history, and in their evolving shape they carry the imprint of all the hands that passed them. Through the Internet, students can track the growth of a legend like that of King Arthur, from its emergence in the so-called Dark Ages to its arrival on the…

Briefly discusses classroom uses of the filmstrip and lists and annotates a number of filmstrip programs in a variety of content areas. (TO)

Presents an outline of six basic preparation activities for student actors, including reading the play, doing historical research, elemental exercises, learning the part, creating the character, and exercises in movement and voice. (JMF)

Describes the use of some read-alouds from Alexandre Dumas'"The Count of Monte Cristo" which helped to demonstrate some principles of learning foreign languages. Describes briefly the read aloud selection, discusses some specific activities that relate to foreign language learning, and discusses specific language arts activities. (SR)

Interviews Joseph Papp, director and founder of the New York Shakespeare Festival. Discusses how to teach Shakespeare to high school students. (MM)

Suggests that extracurricular activities have come about in part to appease the guilt of English teachers who, though in love with language, have had to do horrible things to it to meet institutional needs. Reviews the redeeming qualities of student newspapers and drama projects. (TB)

Explains from the standpoint of a teacher who is a member of the religious right why the schools today are a difficult place for those with strong religious views. Maintains that certain prejudicial positions that educators assume make communication with the religious right difficult, but suggests that language arts teachers may be uniquely…

Describes theological views about written texts, related attitudes exhibited by current protestors, and problems such views and attitudes create for English language arts teachers. Suggests that such an awareness of the religious perspective might help to lead to more constructive outcomes to conflicts between teachers and individual students and…

Reviews "The Community as Classroom" by Candida Gillis. Asserts that the book systematically shows how to take a segment of society--in this case, the elderly--and use that community in the language arts classroom. (MM)

Describes the widespread use of textbooks by language arts teachers. Explains the extreme prevalence and reliance upon textbooks, despite frequent complaints about textbook quality. Considers ways of revising textbooks and how they can be used to benefit teachers and students alike. (HB)

Discusses the impact that three ecologists had on the poetry of Gary Snyder. Provides examples of Snyder's poetry in which the ecological concepts of the food chain, succession, the biology of loops, and networks are illustrated. (MDH)

Describes the serious and pervasive problem of "doublespeak," in which language is used to deceive and manipulate in order to control behavior. Discusses why it is crucial for English teachers at every level to be reminded about doublespeak and to teach students about its perils. Describes ways English teachers can teach about and…

Offers observations and comments on what makes a good mentor at the middle school level from several experienced and novice English language arts teachers. (SR)