Semantic mapping is effective with expository prose but not as effective with narrative prose. To achieve a better understanding of narrative prose, yet still keep the benefits of semantic mapping, the traditional approach can be modified into a technique called "episodic mapping." Episodic mapping is based on the idea that most stories…

Provides examples to show how various pre-reading skills can be taught using the student's familiar environment. These skills include form perception, motor control, visual copying, visual recall, completion and closure, visual rhythm, visual sequencing, temporal sequencing, and visual/auditory discrimination. (JN)

This article presents strategies for creating elementary-level guided reading groups that are both flexible (based on individual students' needs) and purposeful (offering strategies for making them more effective readers). The article also explains how to set up a guided reading group, choose appropriate books, and run the group. (SM)

Notes that children often fail to interpret metaphors correctly and that instruction in basal readers is not always helpful. Offers a strategy that shows students how to figure out metaphors on their own. (FL)

Presents strategies designed to encourage the predictive behavior of students attempting to acquire new vocabulary. (FL)

An instructional strategy for teaching fiction to students with learning disabilities (LD) is presented and applied to the teaching of a short story. The three-step strategy involves students in assessing what they already know about the story, what they think they are likely to read about, and then what they know after reading the story. (SW)

Addresses the difficulties for upper elementary students in shifting from reading to learn to reading for content. Suggests that integrating reading instruction into social studies lessons will help students improve in confidence and responsibility for learning. Includes detailed plans for two lessons and the strategies to be used. (DK)

The paper describes six skills that can be used to improve the reading comprehension of learning disabled students. The skills can be utilized in a reading program or with reading in a content area. Examples from particular models of instruction are provided as well as a rationale for each. The skills may be used either individually, as a…

Holistic approaches to remedial reading can be effective in promoting the reading growth of poor readers. Learning to read is most effective when it occurs in a context of functional and meaningful literacy activity. In order to create such a context students need to be engaged with real texts in a search for meaning. Repeated readings, taped…

Unskilled readers can become skilled readers and learners of whole text, if they are given instruction in effective strategies and taught to monitor and check their comprehension while reading. Two strategies for comprehension monitoring are self-questioning and reciprocal teaching. Questions students can ask before reading concern the concepts…

Rejects phonics or any other reading method as "best" for every child. Summarizes major conclusions of reading styles research, outlines five reading style stimuli, offers tips for increasing reading achievement and enjoyment, and presents research results from five pilot school districts. Matching instruction to individual reading styles is…

Using easy-to-understand models from everyday practice and supporting the classroom observations with research, this book describes how a teacher replaced traditional phonics instruction with strategies incorporating "onset" and "rime" that improved students' reading comprehension. The book notes that as students' level of comfort with phonics…

Integrated approaches to the teaching of reading and writing being used in classrooms in Australia and New Zealand are described in this booklet. The first part of the booklet presents theoretical background on how children learn to talk and the reading and writing processes. The second and third parts of the booklet describe ways of putting…

The article outlines a strategy called repeated reading which aids educable mentally handicapped and learning-disabled students in gaining mastery of reading skills. Repeated reading focuses on reading passages rather than single words and emphasizes reading rate. The article discusses the method's theoretical basis, empirical evidence, contextual…

Offers an explanation of metaphor comprehension and the processes of comparison it entails. Describes a strategy that focuses on the processes of comparison, intended for regular students in junior high school or gifted middle school students. Presents segments of an actual lesson illustrating the strategy. (JK)