Since Emmett Betts first devised a framework of independent, instructional, and frustration reading levels in the 1940s, these levels have played a large role in classroom assessment and instruction. It is important for teachers to have a deep understanding of the research that supports the reading level framework. This article identifies four key…

To improve students' reading abilities, an elementary school staff decided to supplement the regular curriculum with a free Internet reading program. To promote student participation in the supplemental program, the media specialist designed the Gumball Reading Program, which included student requirements and rewards. The requirements…

Gives suggestions for successful implementation of sustained silent reading. (MKM)

Suggests that teachers serve as models for children during sustained silent reading periods; teachers' behaviors and attitudes are reflected in those of their students. (JM)

Describes a method of motivating students to read by using the uninterrupted sustained silent reading method. (MKM)

From November 1972 through June 1973 an experiment was conducted with 576 students (in grades two, four, and six) to determine if there were significant differences in reading performance and attitude toward reading between students in programs which included a daily period of sustained, silent reading (SSR) and those in programs which did not.…

A study of 1,242 children in 20 fifth, sixth, and seventh grade classes in Richmond, British Columbia, was undertaken over a seven-month period to discover the effects of a sustained silent reading program (SSR) on the students. Ten classes and the four schools they were in participated in the SSR group and ten classes selected from five other…

Discusses four studies of the Uninterrupted Sustained Silent Reading method designed to determine whether teacher modeling of appropriate reading behaviors would consistently lead to increases in student reading activity. Concludes that this method provides an effective environment in which students model teacher behavior to improve attentiveness…

Offers reasons why teachers should focus on silent reading during instruction and use oral reading only for specific instructional purposes. (FL)

Reviews research indicating that subvocalization does not hinder reading ability and may assist less able readers. (Author/FL)

The articles in this journal for reading teachers stress the importance of enjoyment in the reading process. The topics discussed include the following: the role of comic books in the classroom, the effect of story telling on oral language and imagination development, the place of the library in reading for enjoyment, reading motivation through…

An observational study of reading instruction was conducted in general education, resource, and self-contained classrooms, grades 1-4, in public schools. Participants included students who were deaf or hard of hearing and their reading teachers. Results indicated that time engaged in reading and/or academically responding varied significantly by…

A teacher describes Reading In Silence, a period of time during which the educable mentally retarded students (7-10 years old) in her classroom read books, newspapers, and magazines of their choice. (CL)

Five elementary-aged mentally retarded students participated in a study of two previewing procedures' effects on oral reading and listening. Results indicated that systematic previewing procedures were related to higher performance levels than was baseline (no previewing). The listening procedure was generally related to higher rates of words read…

A study investigated whether there was a significant difference in the comprehension and appreciation of literature studied through oral interpretation when compared to silent reading. Two hundred and sixty-three third, fourth, and fifth graders from Terre Haute, Indiana were separated into experimental and control groups, and were given pre- and…