Research indicates that reading aloud to children, a key activity in early childhood classrooms, can result in improved reading comprehension, decoding skills, and language skills. Suggestions are presented for using this technique in elementary classrooms. (CB)

Presents five ideas for helping second through fifth graders make important gains in reading fluency, including: model fluent reading; do repeated readings in class; promote phrased reading in class; enlist tutors to help out; and have a reader's theater in class. A sidebar offers poetry books for repeated and phrased readings. (SM)

New research shows that certain conditions surrounding read-alouds will ensure the greatest benefits. Suggestions for getting the most out of reading aloud include: engage students' interests; make sure the books are at the right difficulty level; spend an appropriate amount of time on reading aloud; offer a range of materials to read aloud; and…

The article describes an elementary school's "celebrity reader" program, where students invite representatives of various professions to visit their class and read one of their favorite stories. Suggestions are presented for identifying and inviting guest readers and follow-up activities. (CB)

English-language learners, according to research, learn best through instruction that draws upon their strength in their first language. It is unlikely that any teacher would have knowledge of even a fraction of the languages that are spoken by students in American classrooms, particularly since some large school districts report as many as a…

The most important activity for building the knowledge required for eventual success in reading is reading aloud to children at home and in the classroom. At school, reading aloud is important for starting the day, presenting reading and writing mini-lessons, supporting social studies and science curricula, supporting whole-class book studies, and…

For many teachers, the storybook shelf is not the first place that they go to when they start to plan a math lesson. But children's books can be a great math teaching tool. They spark students' imaginations in ways that exercises in textbooks or workbooks often don't. In this article, the author shares three possible lessons based on favorite…

In this article, the author shares the lessons he learned from Aaron, a 12-year old kid who had never been to school, on the importance of crafting systematic fluency lessons. The following are strategies that worked for them: (1) Demonstrate what fluency sounds and feels like; (2) Read aloud to the students at least three times a day from a…

Describes how elementary teachers can give students a boost in content area reading by reading aloud paired nonfiction and fiction text sets, explaining: why nonfiction is so important; how to teach children how nonfiction works; how to carry out a paired text read-aloud; and how to look for evidence of learning in the reading/writing workshop.…

Reader Pals is a cross-age, whole language, independent, daily reading program designed to supplement existing reading curricula and to enrich daily lessons. A younger child is paired with an older child for a year. Program planning and implementation are discussed, and activities based on a dinosaur theme are suggested. (IAH)

A special section examines the advantages of using big books with young children. One big book author discusses her work, noting the importance of big book reading. Other authors present teacher-tested tips for using big books, titles of big books, and ideas for do-it-yourself big books. (SM)

The article reviews back-to-school books which can help elementary school educators handle their students' first day jitters and anxiety about new teachers. It also reviews books on general topics designed to help children grow. Teaching tips and book-based activities are included. (SM)

This reproducible for teachers to send home to parents explains why parents should read aloud to their older children: to increase understanding and enjoyment, to give real-life context to stories, to check for mistakes as the child reads aloud, and to share the sheer joy of reading. It is important to choose high-quality literature when starting.…

This K-6 social studies activity teaches students about the flag's origin while reviewing literacy skills. Students perform a poem entitled "The Flag We Love," which, in rhyming verse, explains the history and symbolism of the flag. Over eight days, students prepare for the performance, and on the ninth day, they perform a choral reading…

Folklore offers a multitude of instructional possibilities for the elementary classroom. Students learn about other cultures, develop their imaginations, explore customs, discuss common problems, and heighten their sense of language. Several folktales and classroom resources are offered for teacher use. (DF)