The nonfiction letter offers students an opportunity to study a dying art while also gaining insights about people, places, and eras. Teaching students the value of letters teaches community, caring, and connection. Whereas reading great works of literature can and does provide insight into life's purpose and meaning, the nonfiction text of a…

A national survey of senior secondary English curriculum content has confirmed that contemporary literature predominates among set texts, being seen as an "essential" category for study because of its "relevance" in helping students "understand the world in which they live." Perhaps uncontentious -- depending on the…

Describes one teacher's insights into the fictional works, and especially the characters, created by the British novelist Jane Austen. (HB)

Discusses the novel "Web of Dreams" by Virginia Andrews, a favorite among many secondary students. Considers the book as subject for secondary English study. Claims that the novel defies most teacherly prejudices about formula writing. Provides detailed criticism of the novel. (HB)

Designed to demonstrate a variety of ways in which listening, speaking, reading, and writing activities can be built around the study of the novel, this collection of materials, lessons, and activities deals with one of the most frequently taught books in New York City ninth-grade classrooms. The document begins with a general introduction to…

Considers Mark Twain's novel "Huckleberry Finn" as an object of literary instruction, especially its racist overtones. Argues that Twain's depiction of the runaway slave Jim is positive. Shows how Twain's novel might be used from a multiethnic approach. (HB)

Intended to help teachers integrate writing instruction with the study of literature, this teaching guide offers a philosophy of writing instruction, describes a procedure for teaching reading and writing lessons, and provides a sequence of writing skills. For various literature selections, the guide defines vocabulary, provides topic discussion…

Language arts course statements for grades 7 through 12 are presented in this curriculum guide. Content areas for each grade level are as follows: grade 7--reading, writing, and spelling, with certification required in reading; grade 8--reading, writing, and spelling; grade 9--writing, speaking, and listening, with certification required in each…