Reports on a study that examined the effects of prior knowledge and topic interest on the reading comprehension of seventh- and eighth-grade students. The results suggested that both prior knowledge and topic interest were autonomous factors in reading comprehension. (HOD)

Examines the influence of parents on the development of their children's reading skills and habits and examines some specific aspects of the home environment that are closely related to reading. Concludes that parents have an important contribution to make, both to the development of reading skills and encouraging the leisure reading habit. (HOD)

Reports that high school remedial readers perceived good stories to be good stories despite adaptations in readability and length, and poor stories were not helped by improving readability or decreasing length. (FL)

Indicates that Fijian pupils who had read a large number of high-interest story books written in a second language (English) progressed in reading and listening comprehension in that language at twice the rate of those students who had not read such books. (AEA)

Argues that affective dimensions are basic in the development of gifted learners' reading potential. Examines two crucial affective areas--interest and attitude--and suggests instructional applications that can stengthen reading programs for gifted learners. (FL)

Describes a method for sparking interest in classic literature by having students develop a table of comparison of the major similarities in plot, character, theme, and structure for a young adult novel and a classic work. Illustrates with a comparison of "The Catcher in the Rye" and "The Stranger." (HTH)

Describes a program designed to build a literate environment to meet the strengths and needs of Job Corps trainees. (AEA)

Illustrates how prediction can be used to improve content area reading, provides examples of successful prediction techniques, and encourages teachers to develop their own uses of prediction. (FL)

Describes a study conducted to determine college student preferences for reading in the study of French. Recommendations are made on the premise that individual interests should be taken into consideration in selection of reading materials. (AM)

By encouraging, supporting, and nurturing a young child's development, parents can make their child's first learning experiences pleasant and fruitful. As the child's most important teacher, parents can help their children make a smooth transition from home to school. If parents trust their instincts, remain patient, and provide plenty of…

Describes a multi-media individualized approach to reading instruction for non-English-speaking children of Filipino descent in an Hawaii elementary school. (TO)

Tells of various approaches used in New Haven, Connecticut's campaign to improve reading attitudes in school children. All facets of the community were involved in the effort, and approaches used included television commercials, radio spots, endorsements by famous people, and billboard and newspaper ads. (VJ)

Describes the use of drama with ten dropouts from 16 to 20 years old in a reading program at the University of Alabama. (MB)

An investigation into the reading interests of both accelerated pupils and retarded readers. (MB)