Language Arts, Vol. 76, No. 1, September 1998

Table of Contents

Issue Theme: Being Explicit About Explicit Instruction

• Note to the Teacher on the First Day of School

  Sherron Killingsworth Roberts

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  Abstract: Sherron Roberts asks us to consider complex questions of attentiveness and care as we welcome children back to school.

  Keywords: Elementary

• Transactional Heat and Light: More Explicit Literacy Learning

  Randy Bomer

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  Abstract: Argues that explicit instruction is not a characteristic of teaching practices as much as an aspect of the negotiated space between teaching and learning. Describes how three teaching strategies that shift focus from teachers' explicit telling to learners' explicit thinking (demonstration, assisted performance, and reflective description) make learning more visible, deliberate, and self-aware.

  Keywords: Elementary, Pedagogy

• Explicit Instruction at the Point of Use

  Debra P. Price

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  Abstract: Illustrates explicit code instruction within the context of a literature-based reading program in one first-grade classroom. Examines the classroom context, the teacher's views on code instruction as a strategy, one day in the life of the classroom, and implications and reflections.

  Keywords: Elementary, Literature, Pedagogy

• Some Questions about Direct Instruction: Why? To Whom? How? And When?

  Gordon Wells

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  Abstract: Uses an epistemological framework to consider the role of direct instruction in learning and teaching, asking why, to whom, how, and when it is appropriate. Offers reflections on knowing and knowledge, and on knowledge building in the classroom. Discusses two levels of teaching and the role of direct instruction. Offers an example of talking and writing about literature.

  Keywords: Elementary, Pedagogy

• Getting Off My High Horse: A Whole Language Missionary Gets Her Comeuppance

  Elaine Garan

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  Abstract: Tells about how the author has been learning how to advocate for progressive literacy practices (such as whole language) without demeaning traditional reading and writing instruction and, ultimately, the teachers who enact those practices.

  Keywords: Elementary, Literacy, Pedagogy, Reading

• Reader Response Approaches and the Growth of Readers

  Dixie Lee Spiegel

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  Abstract: Outlines what reader response might look like in the classroom. Presents four basic assumptions of reader response theory. Discusses ways reader response approaches to literature help students grow both in the depth and breadth of their responses to literature, and as strategic readers.

  Keywords: Elementary, Literature, Reading

• Finding the "Right Measure" of Explanation for Young Latina/o Writers

  Liliana Barro Zecker, Christine C. Pappas and Sarah Cohen

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  Abstract: Describes a second-grade teacher-researcher's efforts to foster her Latino/a students' growth in writing. Focuses on her strategies (sometimes successful, sometimes not) to make the tacit aspects of writing explicit to her bilingual students via classroom talk. Searches for the right measure of explanation in two areas: fostering revision and genre distinctions.

  Keywords: Elementary, Language, Research, Writing

• Testing the Way Children Learn: Principles for Valid Literacy Assessments

  Beverly Falk

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  Abstract: Outlines principles for assessments that are supportive of teaching and learning, and discusses qualities that such assessments must have in order to be useful for reporting information to the public. Introduces a language-arts assessment (the Elementary Literacy Profiles) designed to embody these principles and qualities so that it will be instructionally supportive as well as useful for accountability.

  Keywords: Elementary, Assessment, Literacy, Research

• Constant Connections through Literature-Using Art, Music, and Drama

  Carol Gilles, Marilyn Andre, Carolyn Dye and Virginia Pfannenstiel

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  Abstract: Presents thoughts of teachers (many from Lee Expressive Arts Elementary School in Columbia, Missouri) on why they engage in the expressive arts and literature. Offers specific examples of how teachers explore life and literature through drama, music, and art with 22 children's books.

  Keywords: Elementary, Literature, Reading

• Editors’ Pages

  Curt Dudley-Marling and Sharon Murphy

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  Abstract: Abstract for this article is currently not available.

  Keywords: Elementary

• Parent Education Class

  Jane Medina

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  Abstract: Abstract for this article is currently not available.

  Keywords: Elementary

• Letters to the Editors

  Timothy Rasinski, Prisca Martens, Elizabeth Freeman, Stephen Krashen

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  Abstract: Available in print version only.

  Keywords: Elementary

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