Presents annotations of eight new young adult books (published in 2002) that have each received at least three "best book" citations. Offers a brief synopsis as well as a thoughtful critique of each book. (SG)

Provides an overview of the goals of English orthography which counter the misconception that its spelling is chaotic. Examines a survey of first grade text vocabulary, which show that spelling consistency is increased significantly if the position of the phoneme within the syllable and the identity of the phonemes in the environment are taken…

Reports three experiments investigating the use of analogies in spelling acquisition. Observes comparable use of analogies in children with comparable lexical knowledge independently of their grade level or alphabetic skills. Suggests that children establish specific orthographic knowledge from the beginning of literacy acquisition and use this…

Describes nine categories of phonics/word study learning that have been drawn from research and cross-checked with the experiences of hundreds of teachers. Describes a workable structure for delivering systematic phonics instruction. Presents and describes a six-part word study structure. (SG)

Provides examples of a journey the author has recently experienced to consider if understanding the rules of grammar impact how a struggling adolescent reads. Suggests that the study of grammar will help her students become better users of the language. Notes that they will become effective listeners and speakers, but more importantly proficient…

Gives suggestions that may help teachers when they are guiding readers toward their next book. Discusses how given the right book, young adults who are pressured in real life, may be able to relax and think. Considers three of the author's books that offer this. Includes a brief review of each novel and quotes from the books. (SG)

This essay describes one man's experiences learning to read in the 1940s. He notes that at that time, parents were not expected to teach their children to read prior to entering school. That was viewed as the teacher's job. However, his parents filled his house and his life with literacy-based experiences. Once he learned to read, his community…

Examines the notion inherent in the Interactive Constituency Model of Perfetti and colleagues that in reading 2-character Chinese words phonology is activated at the character level rather than at the word level. Notes that the two lexical decision experiments and the naming experiment uphold the generality of character-level consistency effect of…

Argues that by improving students' access to information books, teachers can do a better job of helping struggling readers become skillful, motivated readers. Documents the overwhelming use of stories in what students are expected to read and write, discusses the importance of balancing reading instruction with information text, and provides…

Considers how reading has universal properties that can be seen across the world's writing systems. Discusses the most important universal language constraint: All writing systems represent spoken languages, a universal with consequences for reading processes. Draws on observations and research from Chinese and Korean to examine these universal…

Lists advantages and disadvantages of statewide testing. Presents examples of highly specific objectives, as emphasized by realism as a philosophy of education. Considers the advantages idealism/perennialism, as a philosophy of instruction, has in a quality reading curriculum. (SG)

Describes a reading lesson for first graders in which phonics is taught both explicitly and contextually. Discusses three prerequisite understandings about print that make learning to read much easier for children. Advocates a balanced approach toward literacy instruction that helps children integrate what they already know with new strategies,…

In 1999, investigators from Florida's Regal Swan Project researched the care of captive swans in hotels, resorts, educational settings, and municipalities. This led to a vaccine to mitigate swan deaths from botulism and a book with standards and guidelines for swan keepers worldwide. Research was shared through a science and reading curriculum…

Presents humorous, yet horrifying, ramifications of leveling students for reading instruction. Tells the story of an adult who is unable to buy books because the ones she wants are not at the appropriate "level." (SG)

Describes a tool for finding texts that match children's decoding skills. Begins with an overview of current thinking and research on the use of decodable text in beginning reading instruction. Presents five steps to show how teachers can locate decodable texts that match and supplement their phonics instruction. (SG)