As experiences of two first graders show, learning occurs in split-second initiatives that children take with others as they try to attend, engage, interact, communicate, and reason. Before children can learn reading, writing, and arithmetic, they must know how to learn. Children cannot learn two-way communication with gestures, words, or symbols…

In February 1992 "Kappan," Frank Smith advocated formal reading instruction be abolished and teachers merely read to students and turn them over to authors. This article argues that the scientific study of learning is essential. This country can ill afford to rear generation of illiterates who have learned lazy, inefficient work habits from being…