English Journal, Vol. 98, No. 6, July 2009

Table of Contents

Issue Theme: For the Fun of It!

• Call for Manuscripts

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  Abstract: Pp. 5-7.

  Keywords: Secondary

• 2008–2009 Reviewers

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  Abstract: Pp. 8-9.

  Keywords: Secondary

• From the Editor

  Ken Lindblom

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  Abstract: Pp. 10-12.

• From the Secondary Section: Teaching for the Fun of It

  Karen Mitcham

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  Abstract: Members of the Secondary Section Steering Committee comment on topics of importance to English language arts educators. Pp. 13-14.

  Keywords: Secondary

• EJ Extra: Is It Time to Abandon the Idea of “Best Practices” in the Teaching of English?

  Peter Smagorinsky

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  Abstract: Author and researcher Smagorinsky argues that because different teachers have different training, experience, and approaches to teaching, a practice that one regards as effective may be insufficient to others. Pp. 15-21.

  Keywords: Secondary

• A Response to Peter Smagorinsky

  George Hillocks Jr.

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  Abstract: The well-known researcher responds to Peter Smagorinsky's arguments. Pp. 23-29.

• Speaking My Mind: In Toxic Tongues: Our Battle with the Language of the Public

  Lauren Fazzio

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  Abstract: “Speaking My Mind” invites readers to speak out about controversial issues relevant to the teaching of English language arts. Pp. 104-106.

  Keywords: Secondary

• EJ in Focus: Defining Fun and Seeking Flow in English Language Arts

  Tom Romano

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  Abstract: A well-known writer and teacher educator describes the kinds of fun that teachers and students should experience in English classes. Pp. 30-37.

  Keywords: Secondary

• Comic Relief: Engaging Students through Humor Writing

  Bruce A. Goebel

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  Abstract: Embedded in his top ten reasons for using humor in the classroom, Goebel describes engrossing and enriching humor-writing activities for students. Pp. 38-43.

  Keywords: Secondary

• Turn It On and Turn It Up: Incorporating Music Videos in the ELA Classroom

  Luke Rodesiler

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  Abstract: Music videos are great sources for narrative and social commentary and can serve as excellent prompts for student writing. Pp. 45-48.

  Keywords: Secondary

• Pedagogy of the Living Dead: Using Students’ Prior Knowledge to Explore Perspective

  Allan Nail

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  Abstract: Nail calls forth zombies to liven up his students’ study of cultural knowledge, debates about human rights, and literary analysis. Pp. 49-55.

• Engaging 21st-Century Adolescents: Video Games in the Reading Classroom

  Megan Glover Adams

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  Abstract: Adams draws on students’ interest in cooperative and competitive gaming to improve their reading skills. Pp. 56-59.

• Naming Tropes and Schemes in J. K. Rowling’s Harry Potter Books

  Don L. F. Nilsen and Alleen Pace Nilsen

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  Abstract: The Nilsens show you and your students the linguistic artistry in Rowling’s popular works. Pp. 60-68.

  Keywords: Secondary

• Celebrating Multiple Literacies with Harry Potter

  Lisa Arter

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  Abstract: The mayhem at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry inspires fun and valuable ELA activities. Pp. 69-73.

• “Ripples in the Upside-Down Lake of the World”: Running a Read-Aloud Marathon

  Dave Iasevoli

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  Abstract: Spend a day On the Road with Jack Kerouac and Iasevoli’s students and colleagues. Pp. 74-78.

  Keywords: Secondary

• Self-Directed Writing: Giving Voice to Student Writers

  Kim Brian Lovejoy

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  Abstract: Drawing on his students’ writing, Lovejoy shows the power of assignments that allow students to write for their own purposes. Pp. 79-86.

• Poem: Croquet

  Andrea Davis

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  Abstract: P. 37

  Keywords: Secondary

• Poem: Today

  Deborah McGinn

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  Abstract: P. 44

• Poem: Cat and Mouse

  Jean Shervais

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  Abstract: P. 87

• Adolescents and Texts: Scaffolding the English Canon with Linked Text Sets

  Linda Wold, Laurie Elish-Piper and Brigid Schultz

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  Abstract: "Adolescents and Texts" focuses on adolescent literacy and the teaching of reading in high school and middle school. Pp. 88-91.

• Mentoring Matters: Mentoring New Teachers: What Teacher Education Programs Can Do to Help

  Judy Fiene, Therese Wehman, Diana Brannon, Dan Jares, Lisa Burke, and Mary Jo Young

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  Abstract: "Mentoring Matters" focuses on effective ways to support new English teachers and student teachers. Pp. 92-94.

• Research for the Classroom: Oedipus Alive

  Joel Malley

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  Abstract: "Research for the Classroom" publishes mini-studies of ELA classroom practices and suggests ways in which high school and middle school English teachers may study the effectiveness of their pedagogy. Pp. 95-99.

• Success with ELLs: Summertime and the Living Is Easy: Retaining English Skills in Summer

  Margo DelliCarpini

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  Abstract: "Success with ELLs" suggests effective approaches to teaching English language learners in ways that can be of benefit to all students in  mainstream middle and high school English classes. Pp. 100-103.

• Indexes to Volume 98

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  Abstract: Pp. 107-120.

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