Marie Clay's body of work has influenced classroom instruction in direct and indirect ways, through large overarching themes in our pedagogical content knowledge as well as specific smart practices. This paper focuses on her the contributions to our thinking about instruction which come from two broad theoretical concepts; emergent literacy…

Describes what reading coaches do (provide literacy enrichment without emphasizing the diagnostic and intervention aspects of reading), how this differs from reading tutors, and how reading coaches can help with literacy development in schools. Discusses activities for reading coaches, and benefits of a reading coach program. (SR)

Argues that peer-assisted learning is a good option for teachers concerned with providing as much individual help as possible to their students. Describes one such peer tutoring program. (FL)

Cites personal experience and research which supports peer group work in spelling, noting this method provides an opportunity to create linkages between reading, writing, and spelling instruction. Suggests strategies for implementing an individualized spelling program. (NH)

Reviews ERIC materials dealing with effective tutoring programs. (FL)

Describes a cross-age tutoring program between middle school and kindergarten and second grade students. (MG)

Describes how fifth grade students can help first graders develop their language skills and also teach other fifth graders how to tutor. Provides a list of picture books for use in the program. (FL)

Results of a Canadian study show that students with mild to medium reading disabilities benefited from tutorial remediation and continued to make normal progress the next nine months. (Author/RL)

Describes the plight of the Roma (the preferred word for "Gypsy") in Romania, and the Roma Tutoring Project, intended to help Roma children succeed in school. Discusses the project's activities to sponsor the writing of children's books in Romania based on Roma children and culture, and with a tutor training project based on the language…

Describes the Reading Buddies program in which high school students tutor first graders at risk of failure in reading while receiving training provided by university professors. (SR)

Describes a cross-age reading program called Storymates, which connected school and home literacy experiences of 9-, 10-, and 11-year olds through storybook reading to younger siblings, relatives, and neighborhood friends. Discusses exploring story structure in the classroom; reading storybooks in school and at home; how retellings improved; and…

Describes a service learning program with a focus on literacy called the Student Literacy Corps. Describes how urban elementary school children, college students, professors, administrators, and community members worked, shared, and learned together. Includes a sample lesson. (SR)

Describes a cross-age tutoring program that provides benefits to both the university student athletes who serve as tutors and the elementary school students with whom they work. Gives reasons for the success of the program, as well as evidence of the success. (MG)

Describes the Charlottesville (Virginia) Volunteer Tutorial, a one-on-one tutorial program that promotes the literacy development of young children and involves a wide range of community volunteers. Suggests that the program offers one model of an affordable, alternative form of early intervention. (SR)