Investigates the influence that instruction and the developmental stage of learning to read have on the reading concepts of first graders from skill-based and literature-based classrooms. Finds both groups exhibited high interest in learning and knowing words but that the literature group differed in their heightened metacognitive understandings,…

Examines 35 low-SES, urban children's ways of interpreting traditional skills-based literacy instruction in kindergarten and first grade. Reveals four patterns of success/nonsuccess in literacy development within the classroom context. (MG)

Determines how science and social studies textbooks were used by teachers and students in 12 fourth grade lessons and what kinds of questions the teachers asked during the lessons. Finds that students do not get much practice reading informational text, and instruction often fails to promote conceptual understanding and meaningful learning from…