Meet writer/educator Sharron L. McElmeel, a leading expert on teaching literature to children. This month our Featured Expert discusses integrating literature into the curriculum. The articles in this discussion are taken from some of her published works.

Literature Frameworks
Start with this description of a thematic approach to curriculum integration, where Sharron explains the theory and practice behind one integrated literature unit (in three parts).

Creating Your Own Connections
Several example scenarios suggest how educators can use the Web to extend classroom curriculum.

Research and Literature
Three mini-research activities are outlined that can lead young learners in the direction of researching for background information and then accessing primary sources for specific information.

Literature-Related Calendar Days
A bibliography of Web sites for curriculum content that works with special literature-related calendar days.

Then discuss literature integration in your classroom in our Children's Literature Discussion Group. Share your ideas and challenges with teachers or get answers to your specific questions from Sharron.

Sharron L. McElmeel is a long-time educator who has developed a national reputation in the area of children's and young adult literature and its integration into the basic classroom/library curriculum, including the use of technology and the World Wide Web to enhance learning. Her interest in surrounding young people with literacy opportunities come from her vast experience in classrooms from kindergarten to graduate school and as a parent raising six children. She has written extensively on the topic of integrating literature into every corner of the curriculum. She holds an advanced degree from the University of Iowa and has continued to expand her own knowledge through many professional development opportunities. She has been honored as a Iowa Reading Teacher of the Year and nominated as Iowa's Teacher of the Year. She frequently writes for professional publications and speaks throughout the Midwest and the United States. As project director for a regional reading initiative, Building a Community of Readers, she is currently helping others to focus on the importance of reading as a family and as a community. You can also find out more about this month's literature expert by visiting her Web site.

Among her most recent professional titles are: 100 Most Popular Children's Authors and 100 Most Popular Picture Book Authors and Illustrators; Internet for Schools; and WWW Almanac. The year 2002 will see the publication of Character Education: A Book Guide for Librarians, Teachers, and Parents and Literature Frameworks: Apples to Zoos.