Discusses a teacher's experiences at an all-day workshop on "Putting First Things First"--the third of Stephen Covey's "Seven Habits of Highly Effective People." Discusses avoiding the tyranny of the "urgent"; planning, prevention, relationship-building; and kicking the "urgency addiction." Discusses…

Presents a model of literacy based on five habits of effective reading teachers. Explains the rationale and theory that supports: (1) the importance of choice; (2) teaching for continuous progress; (3) curriculum integration; (4) individual conferencing, and (5) child-centered, child-directed activities. (NH)

Reflects on issues raised by the 1997 meeting of the International Reading Association--the current status of classroom teachers and technology's role in future classrooms. Notes the dedication to students exhibited by teachers attending the convention. Suggests that the convention is like the field of reading itself, a sort of "bazaar that…

Provides 10 tips based on research, observations, experiences, and comments from practitioners which will help teachers get through the first year of implementing a whole language approach. Offers a 15-item list of resource companies and their addresses that might assist teachers and educators who wish to investigate this area further. (MG)

Suggests that effective teaching requires understanding of what students know and what they are ready to learn. Claims that the biggest problem faced by the author in coming out of a teacher education program was his belief that he was "done"--what he was missing was many of the frameworks and tools needed to construct his teaching. (RS)

Discusses current research regarding oral reading errors or miscues to facilitate teacher expertise in decision making within the fast-paced interaction of reading instruction. (MG)

Describes problems with the "person-on-the-street" perspective as it relates to use of basal readers series in the classroom. Investigates why widespread use of the basal series continues to dominate reading instruction. Suggests recommendations for change in reading instruction. (MG)

Shares the author's transition from traditional reading instruction to a whole-language approach. Discusses journal writing and dramatization as two effective teaching strategies. (MG)