Indicates that frequent one-to-one story readings in a school setting increased the number and complexity of comments and questions from a group of four-year-old children of low socioeconomic status. (ARH)

Determines teacher and child behaviors during story reading and how they are related. Gathers data from 146 urban and suburban elementary school classrooms. Uses factor analysis to identify five categories of teacher behaviors and five categories of student behaviors. Finds that, across grade levels, children's involvement in prediscussion was…

Examines children's comprehension of stories and their verbal interactions during storybook readings in groups of various sizes. Finds that reading to children in small groups results in as much interaction as one-to-one readings and leads to greater comprehension than whole-class or even one-to-one readings. (KEH)

Discusses the benefits of reading aloud to preschool and kindergarten children. Notes that active participation accounts for many of these benefits. Suggests several interactive story reading strategies, including a Directed Listening-Thinking Activity and shared book experiences. (MM)

Explains that the core materials used during literature-based instruction are narrative and expository works. Notes that this type of instruction, which has gained increased emphasis in reading research and practice, provides authentic learning experiences and activities by using literature to teach and foster literacy. Reviews pertinent research…

Investigates whether frequent small group readings in school increases comprehension scores and the number and complexity of comments and questions from children of low socioeconomic status. Finds that story reading in small groups increases comprehension and the number and complexity of questions and comments. (RS)

Offers several suggestions for activities to be used with Big Books, including: tracking print, thinking along, cloze activities, and examining text features. (MG)

Encourages teachers to share appropriate information about books and reading with parents in order to influence storybook reading in their students' homes. (MG)