This study aims to understand how young children interpret picture books, highlighting their authentic voices through Gholdy Muhammad's Unearthing Joy framework (2023). Using teacher-child discussions (n = 41) and children's drawings (n = 40), we explore how children aged 36-74 months construct identity, build skills, engage intellectually, think…

The increasing number of Emergent Bilingual students (EBs) in US schools has created the need for teacher preparation programs that foster a deeper understanding of findings from cognitive science that inform best instructional practices. Although much has been said about EBs as needing to "bridge the gap" on their reading achievement in…

Argues that bibliotherapy can be used to help children develop reading comprehension skill and to use that skill to understand their own personal and social development in a better way. Provides a list of books suitable for bibliotherapy. (FL)

Uses the case study reported in "GYNS AT WRK" to illustrate the five stages of development that children go through in learning to spell. Explains what is involved in each stage and what a teacher can do to help. (FL)

The development of cognitive processes is essential to the development of reading comprehension skills. (MKM)

Questions the exclusive use of escapist fiction in basic reading for primary school children and stresses the development of critical reading skills through nonfiction reading material. (RW)

Describes the "ALERT" procedure, whereby teachers may combine the language experience approach with the use of radio, television, newspaper, and magazine advertisements in a strategy that is useful for developing critical thinking skills, even in very young students. (ARH)

Argues that concepts of literacy develop gradually and that in a natural language environment, saturated with good stories, meaningful conversation, and abundant writing materials, the process can begin even before a child goes to school. (FL)

Talk is the foundation for thought and understanding and the key to literacy learning. Research demonstrates that powerful metacognitive strategies can be taught to help students self-monitor their comprehension when reading print and digital texts. This article provides a repertoire of speaking and listening strategies to develop the…

Defines metacognition, discusses its importance in reading, and provides suggestions for its development. (FL)

Discusses why elephant riddles are viable catalysts for word play and language development in the primary grades. Explores some relationships between children's thinking and elephant riddles. Offers some suggestions for incorporating them as a regular part of the classroom flow. (SR)