This study examined parents and preschool children interacting in two informal alphabet learning activities, using picture books and interacting with software on a personal computer. Results showed few differences in the way mothers and fathers reacted with preschoolers, but there were differences in consistency across the two settings. (LMO)

Investigates the effect of corrective feedback on the capacity of preliterate children to learn explicit phonetic segmentation. (HOD)

This paper analyzes: (1) the task of learning to read, in the context of cognitive and linguistic tools a child has at his/her disposal; (2) how these tools change with further development and experience; and (3) how teachers can foster this development and growth. Eight research-based recommendations for classroom teaching are given. (PP)

Argues that concepts of literacy develop gradually and that in a natural language environment, saturated with good stories, meaningful conversation, and abundant writing materials, the process can begin even before a child goes to school. (FL)

Describes how to help children comprehend what they read using an experience-text-relationship method of discussing and reading class material. (MKM)

Shows that the ability to impose a distinct and exact meaning on what is seen underlies the skills involved in reading; notes the importance of training in perception combined with a clear sense of the purpose of reading. (GT)

Develops a rationale for using action books with preschool children of three-six years. Offers guidelines for selection of books, and gives an annotated book list of humorous action books that teachers and parents can use with young children. (BB)

Describes a project designed to bring books and services to children unlikely to go to public libraries. A library system of seven child care centers was involved. Included are nine sample activity kit cards, a list of 41 readings for child caregivers, and 26 folktales for children four-five. (RJC)

Compared social-linguistic experiences of six early readers (ERs) and six prereading (PRs) matched-age peers in interactions with their middle-class parents. Found that ER parents created an even more enriched language environment for their children than PR parents. Differences on decontextualized language tasks favored ER families, and ERs gave…

Investigated the literary experiences of preschoolers in Head Start and early childhood special education (ECSE) classrooms based on survey responses of 10 Head Start and 20 ECSE teachers. Found similarities between the two teacher groups regarding the relatively low priority placed on reading and writing goals and the ways children were involved…

Presents answers to 12 questions parents might have about reading aloud to young children (e.g., why, how, when to begin, teaching reading, building a love of books, choosing books, and the whole-language approach). The article discusses the educational advantage reading aloud gives to children in their early years. (SM)

The relative importance of internal and external letter features of words in children's developing reading was investigated to clarify further the nature of early featural analysis. In Experiment 1, 72 6-, 8-, and 10-year-olds read aloud words displayed as wholes, external features only (central features missing, thereby preserving word shape…

This review focuses on areas of converging evidence concerning the importance of phonological awareness and the corresponding curricular and instructional implications for diverse learners. Five areas of converging evidence are identified: (1) phonological processing ability explains significant differences between good and poor readers; (2)…

A study examined the reading achievement of students who attended preschool. Subjects for the study were 2 groups of 30 African American students, randomly selected from 120 second-grade students in a Chicago area public school, 48 of whom had attended preschool and 72 who had not. Results from the 1995 Iowa Tests of Basic Skills reading subtest…

This book provides scores of activities using inexpensive manila file folders. Designed for children from preschool through kindergarten, each chapter proceeds from simple material to more advanced work. Selected subjects are intended to enhance the following curriculum studies and promote development in: (1) eye-hand coordination (e.g., fit the…