English Journal, Vol. 95, No. 5, May 2006

Table of Contents

Issue Theme: Contexts for Teaching Grammar

• Call for Manuscripts

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  Abstract: Abstract for this article is currently not available.

  Keywords: Middle, Secondary

• Letters to EJ

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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: Grammar Matters

  Rebecca Bowers Sipe

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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

• Teacher to Teacher: What Is Your Most Compelling Reason for Teaching Grammar?

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

  Keywords: Middle, Secondary

• Teaching Conventions in a State-Mandated Testing Context

  Bonnie Mary Warne

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  Abstract: High school teacher Bonnie Mary Warne had to find a way to address the language items on the state test without sacrificing a successful writing program. She used literature to help students understand and create powerful writing. In the process, students also learned the conventions they needed to know for the test.

  Keywords: Middle, Secondary

• Zooming In and Zooming Out: Putting Grammar in Context into Context

  Jeff Anderson

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  Abstract: Jeff Anderson’s lessons involve shifting focus between writing or reading and specific grammar problems inner-city middle school students encounter. Lessons or discussions on a topic are then applied to a larger context so that students see “the story of grammar’s power to communicate meaning and beauty.”

  Keywords: Middle, Secondary

• Phrase and Clause Grammar Tactics for the ESL/ELL Writing Classroom

  Dennis Sjolie

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  Abstract: Although debate over grammar instruction continues, Dennis Sjolie asserts that a solid foundation in sentence construction is particularly necessary for English language learners. He shows how sentence-combining activities can lead to comprehension of different types of phrases and clauses as well as improved student writing.

  Keywords: Middle, Secondary

• Sentence Patterns: Making Meaning with a Countywide Grammar Initiative

  Janetta Jayman, Laura L. Doolan, Michael J. Hoover, Shannon Maas, Thomas McHugh, Kevin J. Mooney, and Alan P. Zepp

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  Abstract: The authors describe a districtwide revision of grammar teaching practices. Using a curriculum based largely on the work of Martha Kolln, the authors show how they applied rhetorical tools in a variety of high school classrooms to improve student writing and reading comprehension.

  Keywords: Middle, Secondary

• The Grammars of Reading

  Eileen Simmons

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  Abstract: By analyzing student responses to their reading of The Odyssey, high school teacher Eileen Simmons realized that problems with comprehension stemmed from not understanding the grammar. She identified specific grammar problems and then developed ways to help students understand the functions of words and the relationships among them.

  Keywords: Middle, Secondary

• Transforming Writers through Grammar Study

  Joan Berger

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  Abstract: Joan Berger describes a two-year approach to grammar instruction in a middle school. Each month is devoted to a specific sentence variation with a small amount of daily class time for drills and writing assignments. The timeframe allows students to assimilate the concepts and apply them to their writing.

  Keywords: Middle, Secondary

• "Somebody Died?" Using Grammar to Construct Meaning in Adolescent Literature

  Barbara Stanford

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  Abstract: Barbara Stanford observed that difficulties with comprehension were often caused by complex grammatical structures. Working with secondary school students who were reading several years below grade level, she identified specific problems and developed lessons to help struggling readers become proficient readers.

  Keywords: Middle, Secondary

• Grammar Apprenticeship

  Cornelia Paraskevas

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  Abstract: Cornelia Paraskevas builds students’ grammar knowledge through analysis of grammatical structures in touchstone texts. Students create style sheets to evaluate these “mentor” texts and learn the powerful effects writers create by varying sentence length and construction.

  Keywords: Middle, Secondary

• Analyzing Grammar Rants: An Alternative to Traditional Grammar Instruction

  Kenneth Lindblom and Patricia A. Dunn

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  Abstract: Kenneth Lindblom and Patricia A. Dunn teach language awareness and use through published complaints about the teaching of grammar. Students are able to recognize issues of race and class that determine acceptable usage and learn the importance of audience in their own language use.

  Keywords: Middle, Secondary

• A Fresh Look at Sentence Fragments

  Edgar H. Schuster

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  Abstract: Challenging the idea that students should be taught to avoid all sentence fragments, Edgar H. Schuster investigated the abundant use of fragments in two volumes of The Best American Essays. He suggests ways students might learn to use fragments effectively.

  Keywords: Middle, Secondary

• Research Matters: Interpretive Norms in Literature Discussions

  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: Whose Grammar for What Purposes?

  Bud Hunt and Tiffany J. Hunt, editors

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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: Unintelligent Design: Where Does the Obsession with Correct Grammar Come From?

  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: Correctness: An Evolutionary Practice

  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: Getting a Grip on Grammar Instruction

  Colleen A. Ruggieri, editor

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

  Keywords: Middle, Secondary

• Bold Books for Teenagers: The Very Best Possibilities, Part Two

  Don Gallo, editor

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  Abstract: “Bold Books for Innovative Teaching” provides dynamic, informative viewpoints on important issues in publishing and teaching contemporary literature, especially literature for adolescents. Reviews of young adult literature will 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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