Examines several approaches to vocabulary development that are alternatives to direct vocabulary instruction. (AEA)

Concludes that there are about 88,500 words in printed school English and that even systematic direct vocabulary instruction could not account for a significant proportion of all the words children actually learn, nor cover more than a modest proportion of the words they will encounter in school reading materials. (FL)

Offers an instructional sequence based on the premise that the spelling of English words very often reflects meaning more than sound and designed to help students make use of this understanding in learning to spell and to increase their vocabulary. (AEA)

Offers suggestions for the systematic study of characters that can help children develop skills in understanding stories. Describes two activities that can be used for this purpose. (FL)

Describes a method of teaching reading skills in a second language that focuses on: (1) eliminating the student's fear of giving a "wrong answer"; (2) discouraging overuse of a dictionary; (3) teaching recognition of cognates, roots, and the use of certain prefixes and suffixes; (4) using a variety of texts; and (5) utilizing skimming, scanning,…

An often-neglected aspect of daily language is syllable doubling or repetition, as in infant language ("nounou"), onomatopoeia ("ronron"), interjections or responses ("oui oui"), names ("Mimi"), or military slang ("coco" for "commandant"). The mechanisms and semantic functions of this phenomenon are outlined, drawing on examples from French…

Describes and presents an inventory for estimating primary grade students' ability to read mathematical vocabulary and their understanding of math concepts. (FL)

Reports that crossword puzzles have proven to be a rewarding teaching instrument in a variety of subjects, then describes computer software that can aid in the construction of accurate, attractive puzzles within practical time constraints. (FL)

Describes four stages of the assessment of instructional materials: (1) research and development; (2) assessment of prototype materials; (3) formative evaluation; and (4) summative evaluation as used in the Vocabulary Development Project. (DEP)

Presents 21 specific suggestions for improving students' reading ability. (TA)

A course in the enlargement of students' English vocabulary through the study of Latin and Greek roots and their derivatives was developed by the Department of Classics at the University of Illinois. The class makes use of computer assisted instruction on the PLATO IV system. (Author/RM)

Because Chinese language textbooks were judged inadequate in teaching vocabulary dealing with everyday life in the U.S. and in China, new methods and materials were introduced into an oral Chinese course. Prepared discussion topics, Chinese films, soap operas, and shortwave radio broadcasts were used. (CHK)

This report is intended to provide background information that will help reading specialists, education technology specialists, classroom teachers, and special education teachers work together to understand, evaluate, and implement effective uses of technology within K-6 reading programs. It brings together the research-based guidelines for…

Grammar is not a four-letter word. Learning vocabulary is not a form of punishment. They are the basis of any language, and a student who wants more than a tourist's booklet of useful phrases will need to learn them sooner or later. The second edition of this popular little book takes the sting out of the exercise and even makes it a pleasant…

This comprehensive resource can be used by teachers to align instruction with current standards and to give students the best possible foundation for reading achievement. Organized around the five essential components of reading instruction identified in the report of the U.S. National Reading Panel, this book: (1) Lays the groundwork for creating…