Concludes that encouraging students to read and helping them develop alternative reading behaviors can spark interest and lead to reading independence. (FL)

Countless acres of grasslands stretch across the American West. Centuries ago, bison roamed the range freely and lived off the grass. By the 19th century, herds of cattle grazed the same land. Over time, much of the original grassland was either plowed and planted or trampled to dust, causing the topsoil to dry up and blow away. Today many…

It is important for students to choose books that are at their instructional reading level. A future reading specialist investigated what types of books first-grade students choose, and if they choose books at their reading level during self-selected reading. She undertook a literature review and developed procedures for conducting the study. Data…

This report describes strategies for increasing levels of interest in reading for enjoyment. The targeted population consisted of first, second, and third grade students in three elementary school districts. The schools were located in middle class and affluent suburban communities of a large city in the Midwest. The problem of lack of interest in…

Report on a doctoral dissertation concerned with the problem of whether children self-select reading material that corresponds with their ability to read. (RB)

There is a need for less didacticism, more story, and less programming in children's literature. (AN)

Discussion and results of a study made to indentify and quantify the reading interests of preschool children. (RB)

Outlines the steps in presenting a "book talk." Argues that it can be an effective way to broaden children's awareness of literature while developing their verbal skills. (FL)

In conjunction with National Children's Book Week, this article provides activities to motivate children's reading; descriptions of some unusual elementary reading programs; ideas for creating book clubs and reading corners in the classroom; a children's literature quiz; and Allan Yeager's annotated list of the best children's books of this…

Notes that in Nigeria, where English is the language of instruction, more English language literature books for children, as well as those in the indigenous languages, are needed to encourage children to read for pleasure. (FL)

Recreational reading was encouraged in a sixth-grade class through a "Famous People Auction Project." For each book read and reported on during the year, students accumulated play money, with which they could bid at an auction for mementoes the teacher had solicited from celebrities. (SJL)

Discusses a number of devices for motivating students to read both in and out of the classroom. (DD)

Examines the role of pleasure reading in the development of young readers and, more specifically, the role of series books, such as Nancy Drew and the Hardy Boys. Provides suggestions for teachers on their role in cultivating series books as a form of pleasure reading. (TB)

Finds that reading practices involving books and work documents bore a strong relationship to literacy proficiencies, and that younger adults were more likely to read brief documents for work, while older adults were more avid newspaper readers. Concludes that engaging in a diversity of reading practices is indicative of reading maturity and has…