Argues that, although a little daily practice substantially improves reading proficiency, reading should be viewed as only the beginning of the literature experience. Suggests that interactions with books can continue through many other forms of response. Annotates 22 examples of children's books that invite dramatization, writing, art, music,…

Sentence Verification Technique tests were administered to 151 third and fourth graders on 3 occasions over a school year. Results indicate that reading and listening comprehension can be measured with the tests and that the 2 comprehension modalities develop independently, with reading comprehension being more sensitive to instruction. (TJH)

Think cards, consisting of students' written verbalizations of reading comprehension strategies presented by the teacher, make students aware of the need for using strategies during the reading process and aid them in keeping track of alternative strategies. The paper illustrates incorporation of think cards into a reading lesson involving the…

Shares ideas that teachers can implement to increase the effectiveness of adult reading aides assisting them in the classroom, including communication strategies, joint instructional planning, classroom management procedures, constructive feedback, and staff development. (RS)

Outlines an approach for moving staff, parents, and children toward an emergent literacy perspective. Discusses how to (1) lay the foundation for new policy directions; (2) assess the literacy environment; (3) plan for essential experiences; (4) attend to skill development and program objectives; and (5) reassess emergent literacy programs. (MM)

Research-based classroom techniques and procedures for teaching reading to learning-disabled students are outlined, including teacher activities before reading, teacher activities during and after reading, methods for improving students' reading behaviors, and the impact of peers and family on pupil pursuits during reading. (MSE)

This article discusses how the processing, form, and content requirements of written language pose challenges to professionals trying to design and implement regular or remedial educational programs. Differences between oral and written language; influences of culture, value systems, and world knowledge; and structure and content interactions are…

This study examines whether the concepts held by teachers are communicated to students during instruction and if students' concepts of reading reflect their teachers' concepts of reading. Implications for teacher education are discussed. (IAH)

A five-step procedure is presented for using wordless picture books to encourage language development in hearing-impaired students. The students "read" the books, write the story ideas and illustrate the story, review the story for comprehension, and complete creative writing activities. A bibliography of picture books for elementary-level…

Offers suggestions in the areas of classroom management, instructional strategies, and evaluation to assist in making a smooth transition from the basal to the whole language program. Suggests that gradual implementation allows teachers and students to become confident in using this instructional method. (MG)

Describes study that was conducted to determine whether four- and five-year-old preschoolers could be taught reading skills with computer-assisted instruction, and whether they could learn basic computer literacy skills without direct instruction and drill. Software is described, and the pretest/posttest single group design is explained. (16…

Any use of language involves the following interlocking systems: (1) referential; (2) contextualization; and (3) ideology. These together constitute culturally viable "discourse systems." Examination of these systems as they operate in daily contexts reveals a paradox in the concept of literacy. (Author/BJV)

Investigates the use of closed captioned television to improve the sight vocabulary of adults receiving literacy instruction. Finds that students' sight vocabulary increased significantly and that student attitudes to closed captioned television were extremely positive. (RS)

Examines how the use of self-directed training materials and limited inservice training improved the quality of teaching the Direct Reading-Thinking Activity. Concludes that teachers' verbal behavior in directing story reading can be easily modified. (MM)

Suggests ways to provide special spaces and materials in early childhood classrooms that promote literacy development, including classroom library centers, writing centers, and content area centers. (MM)