Spoofing and Proofing the Classics: Literature-Based Activities to Develop Critical Reading Skills and Grammatical Knowledge

Using shaggy dog stories based on classic literature, the Polettes address common spelling and grammatical errors and the ways in which children can be taught to read critically to recognize them. Stories such as Rapunzel, Alice, The Hare and the Tortoise, and King Arthur, purposely embedded with common errors, have been pretested in teacher workshops given by Nancy Polette and in Dr. Keith Polette's classes at the University of Texas, El Paso. Teachers found them specific enough to be used directly in the writing instruction curriculum and fun for students to read and try to figure out.

"Reproducible passages with built-in errors are designed to help upper-elementary and middle-school students hone in on specific grammatical concepts through proofreading. The stories are goofy and familiar, with punny punch lines guaranteed to elicit groans."

KEITH POLETTE is an Associate Professor of English and the Director of the English Education program at the University of Texas, El Paso. He is a well-known speaker and presenter and is the author of two textbooks from Allyn and Bacon and several books for young readers.

NANCY POLETTE is Keith Polette's mother and a well-known author, presenter and speaker who has written many books for Teacher Ideas Press and Libraries Unlimited.