"This comprehensive text offers a balanced approach to the teaching of language arts. Pamela Farris 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."--BOOK JACKET.