Two students with language learning disabilities (LLD) and two younger typically developing peers were videotaped in their emergent reading groups for analysis of the distribution, types, and functions of teaching scaffolding sequences. Both the regular and special education teachers used primarily directive scaffolding sequences and provided…

Notes the popularity of the science fiction/fantasy genre, and offers a definition of these genres. Discusses teachers' reluctance to read or teach science fiction, but emphasizes its appeal and its usefulness. Discusses how teachers can select and use good science fiction books. Offers a checklist for evaluating such books, and suggests 18…

Argues that students' mother tongue should be allowed in the second language classroom sometimes and for certain purposes. Conducted an empirical study within the context of tertiary level English reading classes in China to see whether students' mother tongue is used, the purposes for using it, and the attitudes of teachers and students toward…

Investigates differences in literacy teaching and learning between classrooms following a literacy program and classrooms using standard practice. Reveals that in literacy program classrooms children devoted more time to reading, teachers used "direct teaching," and a greater amount of peer literacy learning occurred. Includes references and…

This article describes the whole-language philosophy of teaching reading and writing and its application to teaching braille reading to blind children. It suggests activities that are effective for enhancing the development of early reading behaviors in children who use braille and that integrate the critical components of literacy learning with…

Discusses how writing and reading came together in response journals for first graders, motivating a variety of reactions to literature and showing that even young children have a range of responses to literature that they can express through writing. (SR)

A reversal design was used in two elementary classrooms to examine effects of cooperative learning groups (CLG) in reading instruction for three students with autism and their general education peers. Results demonstrated increased reading gains, academic engagement, and peer interaction during CLG conditions. Results also documented the…

Discusses the limitations of dominant notions of background knowledge (BGK) as neutral information and objective knowledge and of the reading techniques that accompany these notions. The article argues that the notion of BGK should be broadened to include awareness of the social processes of production and interpretation of text. (26 references)…

Drawing on metacognitive research, a high school reading specialist designed a study of self-evaluation as a component of learning. Students used learning logs and participated in a program that let them do reflective writing several days per week. Students were generally receptive to reflective writing within their learning logs. (SM)

Describes how the retelling of stories and the creation of original stories assisted the language development and literacy of limited-English-speaking children in a British "early years" program for four- and five-year olds. The project culminated in individual books made by the students. (SLD)

Discusses programs and research that support the integration of literature and science. Reviews literature selections across a range of genres that complement topics included in middle school science, including science fiction and poetry. Considers resources educators can use to find additional science-related material. (JPB)

Discusses a strategy for teaching poetry to middle school students that requires the teacher to step back, listen, and let students talk. Notes the value of poetry as a vehicle for classroom discussion and the teacher's role in this discussion. Provides sample dialog and teaching experiences for several poems. (JPB)

Argues that reading rate should not be ignored, but rather seen as evidence of excessively slow processing of text, and thus as a diagnostic indicator. Describes how excessively slow, disfluent reading leads to less overall reading, to reading frustration, and is associated with poor comprehension. Describes authentic and engaging instructional…

This article provides an overview of how an emergent literacy perspective may serve as a framework for better understanding the reading and writing behaviors of young children with learning disabilities. Specific intervention techniques are given to help teachers provide rich, meaningful emergent literacy opportunities in the classroom. (Contains…

Presents a project to develop emergent literacy awareness and increase success with reading and writing through the America Reads program. Suggests the value of early experience and interaction with print in children's reading and writing development. Finds that approaches in which systematic code instruction is included alongside meaning…