Language Arts, Vol. 74, No. 3, March 1997

Table of Contents

Issue Theme: Learning About Language In Today's Language Arts Programs

• Dear Readers

  William H. Teale

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  Abstract: Letter to Language Arts readers from Bill Teale, LA editor.

• Sound and Sense in Children's Picturebooks

  W. Nikola-Lisa

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  Abstract: Explores (from the point of view of the writer, a children's author) one aspect of learning about language that is present in the picture books he writes: the relation between sound and sense.

  Keywords: Literature, Elementary

• Analyzing Words and Making Discoveries About the Alphabetic System: Activities for Beginning Readers

  Irene W. Gaskins, Linnea C. Ehri, Cheryl Cress, Co

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  Abstract: Describes word-learning activities for first graders, devised to help at-risk readers make discoveries about the alphabetic system. Discusses why these discoveries are important for students' progress in learning to read and spell.

  Keywords: Literacy, Pedagogy, Elementary

• Integrated Word Study: Spelling, Grammar, and Meaning in the Language Arts Classroom

  Marcia A. Invernizzi, Mary P. Abouzeid, and Janet

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  Abstract: Discusses approaches for helping upper elementary-age children learn about words through integrated study of spelling, grammar, and meaning. Describes what word study is, discusses word study in an integrated language arts unit (providing several examples), and offers reasons for including word study in a language arts program.

  Keywords: Language, Elementary

• The Writer's Toolbox: Five Tools for Active Revision Instruction

  Laura Harper

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  Abstract: Describes five specific tools that provide the author's seventh-grade students with a set of easily accessible options for revising their writing.

  Keywords: Writing, Elementary, Middle

• Language and Literacy: The Poetry Connection

  Dorothy S. Strickland and Michael R. Strickland

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  Abstract: Offers a conceptual framework for building language awareness through the reading of poetry, encouraging children to reflect on language in interesting and powerful ways. Provides an instructional model for constructing literature-based experiences in the classroom.

  Keywords: Literature, Elementary

• Developing Metacommunicative Awareness in Children with Language Difficulties: Challenging the Typical Pull-Out System

  Francine Falk-Ross

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  Abstract: Discusses how the child, the classroom teacher, and the language specialist can work together in the context of the classroom to help children with significant identified expressive language difficulties. Discusses developing metacommunicative awareness in whole-class lessons, small group discussions, and individual conferences.

  Keywords: Language, Elementary

• Bookalogues: Books for Literary Study

  Miriam Martinez and Marcia F. Nash

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  Abstract: Provides brief descriptions of 27 children's books that teachers may use in approaching literary study and organizing literature units. Groups the books around literary elements, structures, devices, and genres.

  Keywords: Literature, Elementary

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