Jean Phifer

OWP

Book Report 1

Using Literature in the Elementary Classroom

Edited by John Warren Stewig and Sam Leaton Sebesta

This book is a collection of seven articles by different authors on using literature in the classroom. At the end of each article is a recommended book list for classroom use.

In the introduction, editor: John Warren Stewig states "It is not enough to teach children how to read; we must, in addition, teach children to want to read. Techniques in this book will bring about a greater interest in reading."

Article 1: Reading to Learn about the Nature of Language by A. Barbara Pilon

Pion discusses in this article, ideas to use for children's word study. The book list includes books to use for teaching: word origins, dual language, intonation, punctuation, and language development.

Article 2: Using Picture Books for Reading Vocabulary Development by Alden J. Moe

Picture books can be used to increase children's vocabulary. Moe presents a simple procedure for introducing unknown words to primary students. The procedure is: 1. Select a book.

2. Teacher reads and identifies any new words.

3. Read book orally to class, giving attention to new words. Put on board or make flashcards.

4. Students then should immediately read the book independently.

Article 3: The Trade book as an Instructional Tool: Strategies in Approaching Literature by Helen Felsenthal

Felsenthal gives strategies and ideas for using tradebooks to teach reading through the genres: fiction - realistic, historical, biographical, fanciful

nonfiction - exposition, argument

Article 4: Book Illustration: Key to Visual and Oral Literacy by John Warren Stewig

Stewig states that visual/oral literacy needs to be developed in children and can be done by using book illustrations. Three subskills need to be considered: describe what you see, compare two different objects, and value one of the pictures. Typeface study is also a way to develop this skill.

Article 5: Reading Leads to Writing by Richard G. Kolczynski

Good literature should be read to, and by students and used as models for their own writing. Kolczynski discusses what children learn from literature, helping children write, and the role of the teacher in the writing workshop setting.

Article 6: Creative Drama and Story Comprehension by Mary Jett-Simpson

Creative drama can be an activity for demonstrating reading comprehension. While reading a story, vocabulary words can be acted out. Students can predict by acting out what they think will happen next. Drama helps students explore more deeply a character. Most students enjoy acting out a story and in order to do this they must have complete comprehension of what they have read. Jett-Simpson gives some simple activities in how to incorporate drama into a reading program.

Article 7: Literature across the Curriculum by Sam Leaton Sebesta

Sebesta discusses using tradebooks in addition to using textbooks to teach subjects in the curriculum. He addresses answers to questions that might come up when starting to use tradebooks. The hope is that tradebooks may increase voluntary reading by all students.

This book contains some easy and quick activities and strategies to use in the classroom. I feel the best feature is the book list at the end of each article.