Author Description

Contributed by high school English teachers across the United States, the activities contained in this booklet are intended to promote the effective teaching of English and the language arts. Activities in the first section of the booklet focus on language exploration--the subtle nuances of meaning, rhythm in poetry, and the power of the word--using such methods as the writing of amusing poems, the creation of riddles, and a focus on genealogy. Activities offered in the second section are designed to stimulate an appreciation of classic and contemporary literature, and to suggest techniques for introducing literary works to students. Specific activities in this section deal with identifying satire, enlivening Shakespeare study, developing political awareness, novels from the Romantic period, research skills, fables and fairy tales, book reviews, and mythology. Activities in the third section, intended to provoke interest in writing, build students' confidence in their writing skills, and stimulate the flow of words and ideas, deal with journal writing, writing about nature, newswriting, newspaper essayists, interviewing, and developing writing process awareness. (HTH)