Examines options for computer support for reading text within a supportive reading environment called "Responsive Text." Notes that Responsive Text is one of a number of programs that utilize computer speech in concert with graphics, text manipulation, and questions, to make text more accessible to poor readers while providing reading instruction…

Argues that children can be encouraged to develop a lifelong devotion to books through the act of adults reading aloud to children. Considers why this strategy works and outlines better applications of it. Concludes that reading aloud to children has many benefits, especially when used in a literature-based approach. (HB)

Describes a strategy to teach early readers to look for smaller words that they know within a large word they do not know. (SR)

Three teachers who had used reciprocal teaching for at least a year were observed and interviewed as part of an effort to develop a model of reciprocal teaching that would work well in classrooms. These teachers used conventional reciprocal teaching as a starting point for creating instruction they believed to be more powerful and effective than…

Explores how Laura Ingalls Wilder in her "Little House on the Prairie" book series idealizes the life of settlers in the western American states and intersperses this version with reality. Shows how the cozy family circle provides security in the face of historical and autobiographical opposition. (HB)

Describes a project which increased motivation for reading by involving students in real-world problems using the Concept-Oriented Reading Instruction approach. (SR)

Rethinks the definitions by which English studies are framed, particularly reading instruction. Critiques securely embedded approaches focused on comprehension exercises and simple testing. Argues instead for a more social value for reading. (HB)

Describes a first-grade teacher's approach to incorporating a reading workshop in her classroom. Notes that the reading workshop is a block of time set aside each day to allow children to read independently books of their choice, talk about and respond to literature, receive necessary instruction in reading strategies and skills, and "publish"…

This study assessed the use of oral recitation lessons (ORL) to develop second graders' oral reading fluency and the effects of fluency training on reading comprehension. ORL proved effective in developing oral reading fluency. Fluency and reading comprehension of ORL students was superior to that of students receiving traditional reading…

Presents instructional strategies that integrate syntax instruction with literacy instruction, while maintaining the integrity of language and the literacy process. Discusses using authentic texts and keeping the literacy process whole, manipulating sentence structures in context, and revising linguistic priorities. (SR)

Presents the 38 most common phonograms (rhymes or word families) in rank order based on frequency. Notes that these 38 phonograms with added beginning consonants can make 654 different one-syllable words, and that teaching phonograms can be a definite help in teaching students to decode and thus to read and write better. (SR)

Describes an instructional practice called "SCAN and RUN" (intended to promote greater reading comprehension development and success in a wider range of students) that uses a novel system of seven cues for strategies to increase reading comprehension by guiding students' understanding, learning, and recall of content material. Presents encouraging…

Addresses myth that children can comprehend text simply because they can decode the words in it. Provides evidence to support claim that developing readers benefit from explicit teaching of comprehension strategies via direct explanation and modeling of strategies. (Author/JDM)

Defines and discusses phonemic awareness, summarizes research regarding its importance for success in reading, and reviews literature on teaching phonemic awareness. Suggests a scope and sequence for teaching phonemic awareness and describes specific activities. (Author/JDM)

This integrated, cross-curricular theme unit has children become immersed in the equine world as they broaden their vocabulary, participate in hands-on science and math, explore art, become aware of the horse's important role in history, and learn about good grooming. A student reproducible, a poetry poster, and a poster on the coloring of horses…