Language Arts, Vol. 76, No. 6, July 1999

Table of Contents

Issue Theme: Writing Genres

• Genre and the Changing Contexts for English Language Arts

  Gunther Kress

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  Abstract: Provides an overview of genre theory and offers a brief history of recent debates regarding genre. Argues that a social theory of genre is essential in reconceptualizing the English Language Arts as they are affected by globally active forces, toward a curriculum with innovation and creativity in the center.

  Keywords: Elementary, Diversity, Reading

• On the Carpet: Emergent Writer/Readers' Letter Sharing in a Penpal Program

  Deborah P. Berrill and Molly Gall

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  Abstract: Analyzes the value of "time on the carpet" by examining how a class of first and second graders negotiate and construct meanings of letters from penpals (university preservice teacher candidates) during whole-class sharing time. Describes two functions of these meetings: sociocognitive re/construction and enculturation of textural norms of letter writing; and the celebration and valuing of human relationships.

  Keywords: Elementary, Writing

• Beating the Moon: A Reflection on Media and Literacy

  Roy E. Fox

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  Abstract: Reflects on the influence of popular culture and mass media on young people, and argues for a broader notion of literacy that includes verbal and visual literacy as well as all manner of other "texts," because the teaching of literacy has exploded right along with satellite technology and microchips.

  Keywords: Elementary, Literacy, Writing

• Different Texts, Different Emergent Writing Forms

  Liliana Barro Zecker

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  Abstract: Examines young children's ability to vary the forms of emergent writing as they wrote a story, a shopping list, and a letter to a friend at three different times during the school year. Finds that children apply their emergent knowledge about written language differently. Indicates a considerable mismatch between written products and knowledge of genre characteristics.

  Keywords: Elementary, Writing

• Success Is in the Details: Publishing to Validate Elementary Authors

  Judy Chihak

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  Abstract: Describes Panther Paw Press, a school-based publishing program that is built on the efforts of teachers, parents, students, and a succession of supportive school principals. Discusses the details that make this publishing program work framed in the six goals articulated in the Panther Paw Press Handbook.

  Keywords: Elementary, Pedagogy, Writing

• Mrs. Wilson's University: A Case Study in the Ironies of Good Practice

  Mark Dressman

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  Abstract: Argues that the idealism that is central to most stories of good teaching practice can become an obstacle when teachers who do not work in optimal conditions try to turn "theory" into practice. Offers an alternative narrative of "good" teaching: teacher and students constructing an intellectually engaging experience under less-than-optimal conditions.

  Keywords: Elementary, Pedagogy, Research, Writing

• Modernism, Postmodernism, and Post-structuralism and Their Impact on Literacy

  Shuaib J. Meacham and Edward Buendia

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  Abstract: Presents an accessible overview of modernism, postmodernism, and post-structuralism. Describes their characteristics, identifies how conceptions of literacy have changed as an outcome of post-structural and postmodern influences, and describes what literacy instruction looks like within each movement.

  Keywords: Elementary, Research, Writing, Reading

• Social Influences on the Writing of Marion Dane Bauer and Katherine Paterson

  Bonnie E. Fisher

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  Abstract: Profiles two children's authors, Marion Dane Bauer and Katherine Paterson, examining the social interactions that have influenced their writing. Looks at the social context of their lives as influences on their writing, including family, friends and acquaintances, literature, research for a novel, editors, the marketplace, and readers. Suggests seven ideas for writing teachers to consider and explore.

  Keywords: Elementary, Writing

• The Midwest: Life in the Mississippi River Valley

  Cathy Beck, Carol Gilles, Dick Koblitz and Anne O'Connor

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  Abstract: Describes 33 books that give children insight into living in the great Midwest and into westward expansion, including books by and about Laura Ingalls Wilder, on the nature of the prairie, famous figures of the Midwest, picture books, and novels.

  Keywords: Elementary, Literature, Reading

• Editors’ Pages

  Sharon Murphy and Curt Dudley-Marling

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  Abstract: Abstract for this article is currently not available.

  Keywords: Elementary

• Writing

  Judy Kaber

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  Abstract: Abstract for this article is currently not available.

  Keywords: Elementary

• Index for Volume 76

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  Abstract: Abstract for this article is currently not available.

  Keywords: Elementary

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