Examines instructional procedures found in the preparation and questioning components of directed reading lessons to assist teachers in evaluating these procedures. Background knowledge and vocabulary development were examined in the preparation component; the story map in the questioning component. (Author/NH)

Describes a study done to determine whether the degree of children's familiarity with component words was related to (1) their ability to produce productive patterns as opposed to associative and grouping patterns, and (2) their ability to use broader scope rather than lexically based patterns. (SED)

Introduces the range of computer software currently available to aid in developing children's basic skills in reading, including programs for reading readiness, word recognition, vocabulary development, reading comprehension, and learning motivation. Additional information on software and computer use is provided in sidebars by Gwen Solomon and…

Describes an exercise that familiarizes students with the language of German weather reports, so that they will know what kinds of information to listen for. The exercise also helps students expand their vocabulary. The article includes transcriptions of actual German weather reports. (SED)

The criteria of 75 percent utility for phonetic rules to be used in reading instruction may be based on faulty logic. Once children achieve approximate pronunciation by applying phonetic rules, they usually can infer proper pronunciation. This supports teaching children to find and pronounce little words in larger unknown words. (MCK)

Argues that traditional sight word lists do not include many of the words young learners see on the computer screen. Presents a supplementary list that incorporates such words for computer-assisted instruction in the elementary school. (FL)

Concludes that the keyword method is effective means of vocabulary learning in the college classroom. (FL)

Ideas for using entire comic strips or parts of cartoons to teach coherence, cultural information, vocabulary, semantics, grammar, syntax, discourse, and other elements of language in the French language classroom are presented and illustrated. (MSE)

A series of class activities for French instruction includes uses of the telephone book, tape recordings, advertising, word and pattern games, and creation of a radio program. Suggestions for instruction of Canadian natives include games for animal, body, and clothing vocabulary. (MSE)

Offers a set of lesson plans that use simple semantic word maps to help students improve their vocabulary knowledge and comprehension in all subject areas. (FL)

Describes how the retelling of stories can reveal (1) the point or points students see in the stories they read and (2) the problems students have organizing the different elements of a story into a coherent whole. (HOD)

Explains semantic feature analysis, a technique that helps students learn a new vocabulary by seeing how words are alike and how they are different. (HOD)

A television series for Acadians was evaluated by the Ministry of Education according to its stated objectives of vocabulary development and strengthening of ethnic appreciation in the Acadian community. The series was found to be an effective method of both teaching Acadian culture and reinforcing students' competence in French. (MSE)

This study is intended to assist teachers of advanced second language students with the problems of vocabulary errors. The aim is to help avoid the formation of incorrect hypotheses about vocabulary when it is first presented, and more importantly, to help teachers deal with errors as they occur. (SL)

Four theoretical models (Substitution, Suppression, Normal, and Remind) of the effects of lexical knowledge on reading comprehension were evaluated using results of a previous study. Fourth graders recalled texts containing words that were either unfamiliar or recently taught through an intensive vocabulary instruction program. (Author/BS)