On April 8, 2016 when the class was discussing "digital literacy," a shocking news story from London AP intrigued us. The news was about a brief text message delivered by Ahmed, a refugee Afghan boy of 6-year old. His text message flashed on the cellphone of Liz Clegg, a volunteer at a migrant camp in France. Clegg and other volunteers…

Although the research base is small on adult English language learners (ELLs) who are learning English while also acquiring basic literacy, this research can still guide instructional practices. The essential components of reading skills suggests that the Language Experience Approach has the potential to integrate relevant meaning-focused reading…

Published research shows that English speakers gain literacy skills up to the 7-year level more effectively when taught using a language experience approach rather than a word reading approach (reading common words plus phonic reading). It is suggested that this is because of the almost unique nature of English phonology, that is the strengthening…

Discusses the difficulties encountered when teaching sound-symbol correspondences in beginning reading. (JM)

Responds to criticism about the method of "assisted reading" and clarifies the author's beliefs about using the method as the first method of instruction. (MKM)

Results of study show that instruction in grapheme-phoneme correspondence using a didactic approach is an invaluable aid in producing specific articulation. (JM)

Contains a historical view of decoding and discusses what it means for teachers of phonics. (RB)

Because both whole language and traditional skill-based instruction have strengths, educators should use a combined approach that includes direct instruction in phonics and reading comprehension skills along with whole language instruction. (Author/TE)

Briefly defines nine distinct methods of teaching reading and summarizes how teachers use reading materials. (AEA)

Contains contributions from five educators concerning the following topics: (1) the "Super Sounder" system of presenting phonics instruction to beginning readers, (2) teaching vocabulary in a multigrade classroom, (3) language experience and basal readers, (4) pacing as a key to successful drill work, and (5) creative ways to encourage reading.…

THE APPLICATION OF STRUCTURAL LINGUISTICS TO BEGINNING READING IS DISCUSSED. LINGUISTIC KNOWLEDGE AND THE METHODS USED TO TEACH LANGUAGE MUST BE DISTINGUISHED. LANGUAGE EXPERIENCE CHARTS ARE ONE ACCOMPANIMENT TO A READING PROGRAM. THE RELATIVITY OF LANGUAGE IS AN IMPORTANT CONCEPT FOR CHILDREN TO ACQUIRE. THE ROLE OF PHONICS AND BLENDING,…

Eight approaches to the teaching of elementary reading are described briefly. The Executive Committee of the Department of Elementary-Kindergarten-Nursery Education of the National Education Association selected the approaches to be discussed. They include (1) Language Experience Approach by R. V. Allen, (2) Phonic Approach by Charles E. Wingo,…

Evaluates some of the 100 different teaching approaches to beginning reading and reading theory. (Author/RB)