ReQuest is a reciprocal questioning technique in which the teacher serves as a model of questioning behavior for the student. Following a briefing period by the teacher, the activity begins with the student and teacher silently reading the first sentence of a story. Teacher and student exchange questions on a sentence-by-sentence reading of the…

To ascertain some diagnostic functions of conjugate reinforcement, narrative stimuli, music or stories, were continuously provided the subjects contingent upon their responding. Thus, data relevant to the processes of listening, discrimination, and preference were continuously provided throughout five studies. The majority of the subjects were…

This study was based on the idea that a structural analysis of picture storybooks might offer implications for the use of structural criticism in the teaching of children's literature. One hundred picture storybooks were analyzed inductively for certain basic components of plot structure which were termed actions. The analysis of the books…

Six highly skilled middle school readers read aloud a story from a basal reader, then orally retold the story in their own words, wrote a version of the story, and finally read their own version aloud. Typescripts made from audio tape were compared with typescripts of the written compositions. The oral and written retellings were analyzed for…

Results show that nonstandard and Hawaiian English speakers' comprehension was easier and more accurate with the nonstandard than the standard English stories and the standard English speakers' comprehension was easier and more accurate with the standard than the nonstandard English stories. (Author/DEP)

Examines the frequency with which a child hears prose, poetry, and songs in the classroom from preschool to second grade. Indicates that children at all levels heard stories daily, whereas poetry received little attention. Argues that the language of literature is most evident in poetry and provides examples to support this conjecture. (JD)

Describes one teacher's approach to developing children's abilities as critical readers. Discusses classroom elements such as reading aloud to the class, student question writing, and small group discussions, which are influential in the process. (JK)

Explains ways in which a kindergarten teacher can encourage reading among children by sharing books with them; sharing ideas about the conventions of print, art and writing; and discussing children's ideas for pictures, stories, and writing. (BB)

Study investigated the perspectives of parents who read aloud to their young children. Results indicate that outside information can increase parents' awareness of the importance of reading aloud to their children and can motivate them to do so. (MM)

The differences between good and poor readers using story schema in recall and reconstruction tasks was examined. Results showed that good and poor readers could use a story schema when the story followed canonical format. Conclusions supported the view that poor readers perform quite differently from younger normal children. (Author/JAZ)

Examined the effects of symbolic modeling in changing sharing behavior and knowledge in 48 nursery-kindergarten children. The modeling group compared to controls shared more, increased sharing behavior over time, and acquired more knowledge about sharing. Findings support the efficacy of models in book and slide formats for young children. (NRB)

The purpose of this essay is to highlight the gap between children being read to and children reading for themselves. (Author)

This collection of Peace Corps stories is designed for use by grades 7-12 language arts teachers. The collection is divided into two sections, (1) Peace Corps Stories; and (2) Curriculum Units. The first section contains nine Peace Corps texts around which the lesson plans are organized. Representing a variety of literary genres (personal…

This fact sheet discusses the importance of literacy for individuals who are deaf-blind, the social functions of reading and writing, and conditions necessary for the development of literacy. Strategies for promoting literacy among this population are described and include: (1) invite children and adults who are deaf-blind to observe as you use…

One of a series of 10 English/Pacific language audiocassettes, this bilingual (English/Carolinian) audio guide explores the benefits of reading aloud to children. Family members will learn how they can positively impact their children's success in school by reading aloud to them at home. A model session using a local story demonstrates read-aloud…