Language arts : exploring connections /

Includes bibliographical references and indexes.

This third edition blends current research, theory, and practice in integrating the language arts in kindergarten through grade 6 with the content areas and children's literature. It details the connections between and among the receptive language arts--listening, reading, and viewing--and the expressive arts--speaking and writing. The book discusses and gives a variety of examples of thematic instruction in grades K-6. It presents a balanced view of language arts instruction that focuses on language processes and products. Direct instruction and meaningful, relevant context are advocated as critical to student learning. Chapters in the book are: (1) "Becoming a Language Arts Teacher"; (2) "The Beginnings of Language"; (3) "Diversity in the Classroom"; (4) "Getting Started with Literature"; (5) "Sharing and Responding to Literature"; (6) "Connections: Listening and Reading"; (7) "Listening to Learn"; (8) "Reading to Learn"; (9) "Connections: Speaking and Writing"; (10) "Speaking to Learn"; (11) "Writing to Learn"; (12) "Language Tools: Spelling, Grammar, and Handwriting"; (13) "Connections among the Language Arts"; and (14) "Managing an Integrated Language Arts Program." A 121-item annotated bibliography of children's books (organized into sections on children with various heritages and children with special needs) is attached.