Compares the effect on beginning readers' main idea comprehension of a direct instruction model, basal reader main idea comprehension lessons, and language extension lessons for group-dictated experience charts. Reports that the direct instruction group outperformed basal and control groups in determining main ideas across a variety of tasks. (MM)

Longitudinal study investigated the relationship between print awareness and reading during the reading acquisition process of children from kindergarten through first grade. Results indicate that while print awareness plays a role in children's transition towards literacy, that role is entwined with the role of other reading knowledge and skills.…

Describes a study indicating statistically significant differences between the two groups of intellectually superior four- and five-year-olds in the areas of story recall and print awareness, and that the accelerated readers of this age group tend to have mothers who have deliberately provided their children with reading instruction. (HTH)