For teachers seeking to create a culture of reading, the author believes that the joys of reading can come alive in the classroom in several simple, easy steps. This article will bring together what to do in one straightforward and coherent manner. The author argues passionately about the benefits of providing an authentic and rich reading…

For many teachers of middle school and high school, the greatest challenge they face in trying to help struggling readers improve their skills can be students' self-perception. When young people do not see themselves as members of the "literacy club," it is not just a simple matter of persuading them that becoming a fluent reader is…

In this article, the author describes her experiences teaching a large-scale, book-club wiki project she designed for her students. She conducted the wiki project in order to try out this new technology. The wiki format allows teachers to provide ongoing response to assess student performance in conjunction with peer-to-peer evaluations,…

School administrators across the U.S. are asking literature teachers to become reading teachers, and not surprisingly, many secondary teachers are having difficulty with this transition. The author's transition to reading teacher was hurried by her dissatisfaction with lessons that featured question-answer discussions. Curious about how students…

Discusses the benefits of reading young adult novels. Remarks on their serious intent, careful craftmanship, effective expression, as well as their ability to illuminate the human condition and provide insights. (EL)

Describes how a "problem" student bucks the system and wins. (RL)

Describes a method ("buddy book journals") of encouraging independent reading among students. Outlines the activity, in which students select partners with whom they read and study a particular book. Argues that this method is an excellent means of generating thoughtful response to literature. (HB)

Describes an independent reading program for gifted students used by the the Blue Mountain Union Schools in Wells River, Vermont. (JL)

Briefly discusses four curriculum models developed in the 1960's and then lists and discusses the criteria for today's literature programs that will develop lifetime reading habits among students. A suggested reading list of literature to understand others is included. (TO)

A rationale and procedure for promoting outside reading and assigning book reports. (RL)

Reports on a survey of high school students, who listed books they recommended for study in class, and for independent, recreational reading. Lists 84 books that were recommended. (RL)

Details the results of allowing student choice in reading and writing. Contends that introducing choice late in a student's schooling complicates that student's ability to reap the full benefits of autonomy. Concludes that choice as a key component of teaching reading and writing is problematic in a traditional setting filled with prescriptive…

Describes how one teacher provides minimally structured lessons that encourage senior high school students to carry their learning beyond the classroom. Describes units on business communication, research, British literature, and independent reading. (MG)

Explains how a guided independent reading program became popular with junior high school students. (SW)

Describes the origin and evolution of a course to meet the needs of gifted independent readers. (JL)