Language Arts Idea Bank

Encompassing reading, writing, speaking and listening, viewing and representing, this collection of classroom-tested activities is the perfect complement to instruction. The activities motivate students and make them more fully engaged in their learning.

Each goal-driven lesson helps students develop their skills, while an accompanying sidebar scenario places the activity in a classroom setting. The lessons demonstrate how to break down, analyze, and critique information, as well as draw conclusions and improve comprehension.

This practical resource book recognizes that students who fail to reach their potential usually do so because they do not have the strategies they need to help them succeed. Teachers will find a repertoire of effective learning approaches that will improve student performance grouped around key themes that include:

• promoting close attention to text;
• responding to reading;
• exploring vocabulary;
• using exemplars and rubrics;
• improving expository writing;
• finding a writing voice;
• benefiting from oral interpretation;
• viewing media critically.

Numerous reproducible surveys, student worksheets, exemplars, graphic organizers, and reflection tools complement the lessons.

Graham is a writer and workshop presenter in schools, at conventions, and in professional development consortia. He has thirty two years of teaching experience, including thirteen years as language arts supervisor for Calgary Catholic Schools.

He received his degrees from the University of Saskatchewan and completed his postgraduate studies in language arts at the University of Calgary.

"I emphasize a collegial model of professional development related to best practice in language arts instruction. In writing projects, I prefer showing to telling about practical, research-supported instructional strategies."

Graham is married and likes to travel and play golf.