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Language Arts

Process, Product, and Assessment, Fourth Edition

 

Pamela J. Farris

 

Elementary and middle school teachers must understand each component of language arts—listening, speaking, reading, writing, thinking, viewing, and visually representing—and be knowledgeable of phonics, children’s literature, and sound assessment practices. Furthermore, it is vital for to-day’s teachers to be aware of education goals mandated by policy makers at the national, state, and local levels and adhere to standards set forth by International Reading Association. Equally important, teachers must be prepared to meet the needs of a diverse student population.  This well-organized, comprehensive text offers a balanced approach to the teaching of language arts. Pamela Farris adroitly weaves the eclectic elements involved in the teaching process into a substantive, useful guide for preservice and in-service professionals. She itemizes which of the Professional Standards are specifically addressed in each chapter. Her discussions of relevant theories adequately supplement her focus on methods of instruction and teaching strategies—including literature circles, thematic units, writer’s and reader’s workshops, modeling instruction, small group and whole class activities, and guided reading and writing. Farris presents a variety of classroom-tested activities suitable for different developmental levels in grades K–8, which integrate many or all of the language arts. She also provides numerous assessment techniques, including rubrics, checklists, and portfolios, and provides effective means for evaluating student achievement.

Elementary and Middle School Social Studies, 5/E

 


$63.95 list, 611 pages

10-digit ISBN: 1-57766-363-2

13-digit ISBN: 978-1-57766-363-8

© 2005

Instructor's Manual, Test Items, and PowerPoints available

Quantity:

 

“What I appreciate about Farris’s text: (1) included at the beginning of each chapter: International Reading Assoc. Standards covered in that chapter and chapter objectives; (2) extensive ideas and examples for assessment and evaluation methods; (3) minilessons provided within chapters; (4) clear skill explanations, such as question-answer relationships; (5) information about forms of creative dramatics and components of storytelling; (6) recent references used throughout the text; (7) listing of multicultural literature and  their appropriate grade levels; (8) listing of computer programs and software for  classrooms; (9) chapter on ‘Listening: A Receptive Skill.’”  — Ginger McKenzie, Xavier University

 

“Reasonable price. Integration of concepts/assessment standards, rubrics. Excellent citations.”  — Virginia McCormack, Ohio Dominican University

 

“Very interesting and chock full of fun student writing examples. The instructor’s manual on CD is helpful and informational.”  — Kathy Bollinger, Union College

 

“A thorough text; covers key aspects of literacy well!”  — Peter Incardone, New Jersey City University

 

Table of Contents

 

1. Teaching the Language Arts

The Development of the Language Arts / Historical Overview of the Teaching of the Language Arts / The Language Arts / Characteristics of Competent Language Users / Interdisciplinary Instruction / Student Assessment

2. Children and Teachers in the Classroom

Children and Their Teachers / Children and Their World / Effective Teaching / Diversity in the Classroom

3. Strategies for Processing Language

Thinking and Language / The Nature of Intelligence: Multiple Intelligences / Stimulating Motivation in the Classroom / Viewing / Visually Representing / Teaching Models for Language Arts Instruction / Questioning Strategies / Culturally Diverse and Special Needs Students

4. Children’s Literature: Opening Windows to New Worlds

Important Literary Elements / Picture Books / Genre / Multicultural Literature / Thematic Units / Literature Circles / Literature Response Journals / Book Talks

5. Oral Language: Developing the Base of Expression

The Development of English / Aspects of Language / Children’s Language Acquisition and Development / Language in the Classroom / Dialects / Multicultural Considerations / Evaluating Language Development

6. Speaking: The Oral Expression of Thoughts

The Importance of Oral Language / Language Settings / Intonation / Oral Interpretation of Poetry and Prose / Discussions as Small Group Activities / Drama as Creative Play / Media, Technology, and Creative Dramatics / Special Needs and English Language Learners

7. Listening: A Receptive Skill

Factors in Effective Listening / Levels of Listening / Guidelines for Developing Listening Strategies / Instructional Approaches / Directed Listening Strategies

8. Writing: A Multidimensional Process

Initial Attempts at Writing / The Writing Process / Writer’s Workshop / Writing Consideration / The Development of Children’s Writing / The Teacher’s Role in the Writing Process / Conferencing with Students / Special Needs Learners / English Language Learners

9. Writing: Narrative, Poetry, Expository, and Persuasive

Writing Strategies and Skills / Narrative Writing / Poetry / Informational/Expository Writing / Persuasive Writing / Technology and Writing / Evaluating Student Writing

10.  Grammar

Standard and Non-Standard English / Systems of Grammar / Grammar Instruction / Grammar for English Language Learners (ELLs) / The Revision Process

11. Spelling, Word Study, and Handwriting

English Spelling / Stages of Spelling Development / Spelling and Word Study Instruction / Spelling Research / Spelling Activities / Spelling Errors / Assisting Children with Spelling / Spelling Generalizations / Dictionary Skills / Handwriting

12. Reading: Interaction Between Text and Reader

Teachers as Professionals / Approaches to the Teaching of Reading / Instructional Practices for Emergent and Beginning Readers / Comprehension / Instructional Strategies for Primary, Intermediate, and Middle School Readers / Content Area and Expository Reading / Vocabulary Acquisition / Instructional Approaches for Struggling Readers / Reading Assessment

13. Extending the Language Arts Curriculum

Family Literacy / Classroom Volunteers / The Classroom and Beyond / The Language Arts and the Internet

Appendix: Additional Resources and Award-Winning Children’s Literature