This essay discusses why the theme approach to the teaching of literature to elementary school students is an effective way to focus attention on concepts related to pupils' lives. The author argues that this approach is better than organizing children's literature according to either subject or type because the teacher can more easily guide his…

In this article the authors have summarized what appears to be the most important implications coming from the recent research on teaching behaviors in reading. This study indicated that: (1) trained teachers display method prescriptions while untrained teachers do not; (2) teacher personality influences teaching behavior; and (3) because teachers…

To investigate black children's attitudes towards reading material written in standard English and Black English forms, third and fourth grade children from two elementary schools with a predominantly black population were asked to listen to tapes of two versions of a story--one written in standard English and the other in Black English. The…

To assist educators in defining outstanding resources in children's literature, this study compiled criteria for good books from the writings of twelve selected academicians in the field of children's literature. A further investigation was made to determine if educators considered the same criteria when they selected books for children. In an…

In an attempt to determine the effects of the teaching-of-reading methods of individualized Reading and Basal Textbook on children's reading interests, frequency of reading, and actual book preferences, an inventory was administered to 396 boys and girls in grades four to six within two schools representing these reading approaches. It was found…

The Reading is FUNdamental program is funded by the Ford Foundation and sponsored by the Smithsonian Institution. It is designed to motivate children to read through experiencing the joy and pride of owning books of their own choice. Its purpose is to help develop and give technical assistance to a variety of model projects throughout the country.…

An annotated booklist designed for the use of students who are considered reluctant readers is presented. The reluctant reader is defined as one who has the ability to read but doesn't like to read because he hasn't found material that interests him. The criteria for selection of titles included: high interest, easy reading, literary quality,…

The articles collected in this bulletin survey a wide range of topics concerning adolescent literature. Some of the titles included are "Seven Myths about Adolescent Literature" (Paul B. Janeczko), "The Book as Enemy" (Thomas Weaver), "Popular Non-Fiction Titles for Adolescents" (Noma Russell), "Values and Paperback Power" (Nel Ward), "An Approach…

The study summarized in this book was an intensive, detailed analysis of young fluent readers, their strengths, and the weaknesses in spite of which they learned to read early and fluently. Specifically, the study investigated two aspects of learning to read: the extent to which certain characteristics may appear crucial because of the particular…

This volume contains representative papers presented at the annual conference on children's literature at Miami University, 24 April 1976. The papers are: "New Directions for Children's Literature" by Sam Leaton Sebesta; "Storytelling: An Ancient Delight" by E. Ann Johnson; "Folklore" by Soledad Newman; "Using Bibliotherapy and Television in the…

A lowered heart rate is associated with involvement in reading.

Schools can influence beginning readers' concepts, interests, attitudes, and values--these are the raw materials from which reading habits develop. Guidelines for promoting children's interest in reading involve reading/language arts programs, provision of reading materials, classroom climate, and specific teacher behaviors. (CP)

Lists the data and responses to the 12 questions in the study. Provides some general observations about the results. (RL)

Provides teachers at the high school and elementary levels with some description of actual experiences--both good and bad--that helped to create the students' attitudes about reading. (Author/RK)

Available from: University of Chicago Library Society Bulletin, c/o Harriet Clouse, Library Development Office, Regenstein Library, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois; $7.50 per year; issued irregularly 2-3/year. Discusses late-medieval primary education, especially learning to read; indicates how such education affected the way adults used…