Describes several assignments and activities that focus on writing for "real-world" purposes, including writing to pen pals, government agencies, and for children or the elderly. (MM)

Describes some of the key elements in publishing a quality yearbook. Includes what time of the year is best for publication, what to include, and what not to include. Emphasizes the importance of including faculty in a yearbook. Contains recommendations on creating a comprehensive academic and sports section. Provides tips on handling "people"…

Describes ways an editor of student publications can cultivate on-going communications with the people who read and are affected by what is in the publication. (SR)

Describes the writing theories of Lev Vygotsky, and how they are borne out by modern research. Asserts the Vygotsky's ideas show why cooperative learning strategies such as peer response groups fit into the beginning stages of the composing process. Discusses Vygotsky's zone of proximal development. (PRA)

Discusses the use of the verb "said"--the verb of neutrality--and states that it is a good writer's trusted literary companion. Cites various examples of its use in promoting objectivity in stories, and offers advice from grammar writers as to using "said" effectively. (PA)

Describes an argument workshop that can demystify the concept for students by revealing to them how much they already know about persuading an audience. Concludes that an argument workshop helps students see the authors included in their textbooks as individuals who drew from a repertoire of argumentative techniques to persuade an audience. (SG)

Presents an interview with Randy Powell, an author who has published several novels about teenagers who are finding their way through unsettled lives. Shares his belief that when you write from the heart, you do not have any choice about the themes and stories you write; they choose you as much as you choose them. (SG)

The prototype of the modern youth novel emerged in the second half of the 19th century, and books written specifically for either male or female youths often covered similar storylines and themes, usually educational in purpose. Changes in the readership emerged rather slowly, but a dramatic shift in ideas about children's literature was inspired…

Opines that depth of characterization is most important for a book to be considered a classic. Discusses "The Human Comedy" and "The Cat Ate My Gymsuit" and why they resonate with readers. Provides 10 questions for stimulating student response to these novels. (PA)

Explains how the author's father taught her about theatre in their everyday life. Discusses artistic sensibilities such as the use of voice, body, mind, and values. Explains the following theatre specifics: pacing; language; telling the story; relaxation and humor; participation; the audience's job; inflation of titles; history; subtext; and…

Argues that female students, especially those in cultures expecting women to be humble and nonassertive, often need a special venue for developing their writing voices. Describes a teaching method for writing instructors that encourages females to develop their voices and audience awareness. (HB)

Discusses the writing of Joan Lowery Nixon, award-winning author of young adult mystery novels. Discusses telling a good story, narrative form, characterization, stereotypes, social commentary, classroom implications, and caring for an audience. (SR)

Presents an exercise that will show acting students how to tell the audience a good story. Discusses how students must assume responsibility for creating the best possible story based on a central object as insignificant as a penny might appear to be. Describes experiences of taking the students through four "rounds" of this exercise. (SC)

Discusses how four picture books, "Granpa,""The Tunnel,""The Wolf," and "Shortcut," provide the stimulus for children to become more effective readers through the use of sophisticated literary strategies. Explores some of the "gap-filling" required of readers as they deal with the indeterminacies…

Describes an exercise designed to help student writers expand beyond writer-based prose by having them write for a particular magazine or newspaper audience. (MM)