English Journal, Vol. 95, No. 1, September 2005

Table of Contents

Issue Theme: The Drama of English Language Arts

• Call for Manuscripts

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  Abstract: Abstract for this article is currently not available.

  Keywords: Middle, Secondary

• From the Editor

  Louann Reid, Editor

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  Abstract: Abstract for this article is currently not available.

  Keywords: Middle, Secondary

• From the Secondary Section: The Top Ten Reasons to Join Us in Pittsburgh

  Agathaniki (Niki) Locklear

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  Abstract: Members of the Secondary Section Steering Committee comment on topics of importance to English language arts educators.

  Keywords: Middle, Secondary

• Snapshots: Convention Memoir: Bringing a Little "Significance" Back to the Trenches

  Janet Ewell

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  Abstract: “Snapshots” offers insights about teaching and learning through teacher stories about a particular classroom event.

  Keywords: Middle, Secondary

• Speaking My Mind: Orwell Farmed for Education

  Tracy Sutherland

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  Abstract: “Speaking My Mind” invites readers to speak out about controversial issues relevant to the teaching of English language arts.

  Keywords: Middle, Secondary

• Teacher to Teacher: What Play by a Playwright Other Than Shakespeare Has Been Especially Effective with Your Students?

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  Abstract: “Teacher to Teacher” provides a forum for teachers to share ideas, materials, and activities.

  Keywords: Middle, Secondary

• Why We Need Neil Simon's Lost in Yonkers

  Nathan Coates

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  Abstract: High school teacher Nathan Coates explains why comedy is necessary in today’s classrooms and offers several points of discussion for approaching Neil Simon’s play.

  Keywords: Middle, Secondary

• Teaching Literature and Language through Guided Discovery and Informal Classroom Drama

  Gina DeBlase

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  Abstract: Gina DeBlase describes how two teachers use collaborative dramatic activities to help students make connections to the text and become empowered by language. The activities can be used with plays as well as other types of literature.

  Keywords: Middle, Secondary

• The Transformative Power of Drama: Bringing Literature and Social Justice to Life

  Allison L. Downey

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  Abstract: Allison L. Downey uses dramatic tableaux to help students think critically about literature as well as social and historical episodes. Students move to more abstract thinking, going beyond plot to an understanding of theme and metaphor.

  Keywords: Middle, Secondary

• Give Me Moor Proof: Othello in Seventh Grade

  Eileen Landay

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  Abstract: Eileen Landay describes a project for drama study that culminates in a performance not of the play but of the writing and interpretive work the students completed. Immersed in art, students used “performance work to support the development of cognition, language skills, and a sense of agency as meaning makers.”

  Keywords: Middle, Secondary

• Reading between the Lines: Strategies to Discover Meaning from a Text

  Anna Quinn

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  Abstract: Anna Quinn describes her use of dramatic activities for interpreting texts along with other techniques to help improve college reading skills. Students demonstrated measurable increases in reading levels as a result.

  Keywords: Middle, Secondary

• Challenging Normative Sexual and Gender Identity Beliefs through Romeo and Juliet

  Paula Ressler

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  Abstract: Drawing on classroom and workshop experience, Paula Ressler discusses ways to approach “the most renowned example of heterosexual romance and tragedy” through an LGBTQ lens.

  Keywords: Middle, Secondary

• Beyond the Page: Students as Actor-Readers

  Claudia Klein Felske

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  Abstract: With the aid of a guest workshop leader, high school teacher Claudia Klein Felske created a vital dramatic experience in the classroom. She presents three activities that helped students “experience the intensity of language and discover the ramifications of words” in Othello.

  Keywords: Middle, Secondary

• Using The Original Approach to Teach Shakespeare

  Bruce Robbins

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  Abstract: By using a teaching method simulating the experience of the actors of the Elizabethan stage, Bruce Robbins brought to the classroom a fresh approach to teaching Shakespeare. Close attention to structure and individual words helped students find cues from the text to enhance their understanding.

  Keywords: Middle, Secondary

• Wrighting: Crafting Critical Literacy through Drama

  Joseph M. Shosh

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  Abstract: Joseph M. Shosh shows how he made writing central in a drama class to build critical literacy. He describes writing tasks such as creating scenes from personal observations and using acting journals as well as writing projects necessarily involved with play production.

  Keywords: Middle, Secondary

• Using Process Drama to Deconstruct A Midsummer Night's Dream

  Gustave Weltsek

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  Abstract: Required in his new teaching position to teach A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Gustave Weltsek turned to process drama to avoid passing on traditional views and interpretations of the play. By first using improvisations to get students talking about issues important to them, he helped the class to see relevance in Shakespeare’s text.

  Keywords: Middle, Secondary

• Using Improvisational Workshop to Explore Gender Issues in "The Untold Lie"

  Patricia Zumhagen

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  Abstract: By attempting to develop a film update of Sherwood Anderson’s story, Patricia Zumhagen was able to highlight the gender inequities present in older literature. Through discussions and improvisation, students learned to see how stereotypes operated in the literature and in their lives.

  Keywords: Middle, Secondary

• Performing the Drama of the Poem: Workshop, Rehearsal, and Reflection

  Steven Z. Athanases

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  Abstract: Steven Z. Athanases describes a unit of studying poems through performance where students spend time looking deeply into a single, chosen poem. The processes of preparation and reflection result in increased understanding of the poem’s meanings.

  Keywords: Middle, Secondary

• Rediscovering the Joy of Poetry

  Katherine Keil

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  Abstract: To overcome the fear of poetry in students and the teacher, Katherine Keil developed an approach that went beyond simply teaching poetry to creating classrooms that celebrate poetry. She encourages students to play with language, publishes student works to a Web site, and models the writing process through her own writing.

  Keywords: Middle, Secondary

• 2004 Honor List

  Alleen Pace Nilsen, James Blasingame Jr., and Ken Donelson

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  Abstract: This year’s Honor List, selected by the authors from numerous lists of the year’s best books for young adults, features several titles that expand the borders of traditional young adult literature.

  Keywords: Middle, Secondary

• Research Matters: "Process Teaching" and Content Feedback on Students' Drafts

  Rick VanDeWeghe, editor

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  Abstract: “Research Matters” provides teachers with review and application of research that illuminates the daily concerns and activities of English language arts teachers and classrooms.

  Keywords: Middle, Secondary

• New Voices: Blind Mice and a Motive--Studying Agatha Christie's The Mousetrap

  Tiffany J. Hunt and Bud Hunt, coeditors

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  Abstract: “New Voices” raises questions, offers insights, and provides a forum for novice teachers to engage in the professional conversation surrounding the teaching of English.

  Keywords: Middle, Secondary

• Teaching English in the World: Close Reading on Your Feet: Performance in the English Language Arts Classroom

  Kenneth Lindblom, editor

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  Abstract: “Teaching English in the World” examines the teaching of English in a global context.

  Keywords: Middle, Secondary

• Taking Time: Beyond Memorization: Using Drama to Promote Thinking

  Tonya Perry, editor

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  Abstract: “Taking Time” addresses challenges in teaching and curriculum that affect middle level education through focusing on the middle child in urban, rural, and suburban settings.

  Keywords: Middle, Secondary

• Tools for Teaching: Demystifying Drama

  Colleen A. Ruggieri, editor

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  Abstract: "Tools for Teaching" helps you find the best print and electronic resources for teaching English language arts.

  Keywords: Middle, Secondary

• Bold Books for Teenagers: Strange Creatures

  Don Gallo, editor

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  Abstract: “Bold Books for Teenagers” provides dynamic, informative viewpoints on important issues in publishing and teaching contemporary literature, especially literature for adolescents. Reviews of young adult literature also appear in this column.

  Keywords: Middle, Secondary

• Poetry

  James Brewbaker, editor

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  Abstract: “Poetry” features poems by teachers and professional poets.

  Keywords: Middle, Secondary

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