From phonological processing to brain research to orthographic mapping to self-teaching hypothesis, "Shifting the Balance" cuts through the rhetoric (and the sciencey science) to offer readers a practical guide to decision-making about beginning reading instruction. The authors honor the balanced literacy perspective while highlighting…

This reader-friendly text examines the key foundational studies in early literacy. It addresses such essential questions as how research informs current practices and where the field still needs to go to provide the best learning opportunities for all children. Each chapter describes the methods and findings of one to five seminal studies,…

The author highlights key issues raised in a seminar on learning to read and suggests the need for formulating a theory of reading development as well as further understanding of the linguistic processes underlying reading ability and disability. (CL)

Describes and evaluates the Test of Awareness of Language Segments (TALS), discussing the test administration, scoring, interpretation, reliability, and validity. Recommends TALS for evaluating a child's readiness for reading instruction, and for suggesting appropriate instructional interventions. (MM)

A report released in May by the Commission on Reading entitled "Becoming a Nation of Readers" suggests, among other things, that teachers should revise the way they teach reading. Specific comments are discussed. (MT)

This article describes a program in which beginning readers dictate stories to accompany wordless picture books. The stories are turned into classroom "published books" which are used to teach reading and develop student confidence. Step-by-step directions and a brief list of wordless picture books are provided. (CR)

Discusses an integrated theory of literacy development with synchrony between beginning stages of reading and spelling. Explores the reasons why beginning readers read disfluently, fingerpoint, and read aloud. Discusses orthographic correlates to these behaviors. Suggests that fluent reading must wait for a certain power in word knowledge.…

Kindergarten isn't what it used to be. No longer is kindergarten a place for learning the social skills needed for success at school and sprinkled with a few letters, numbers, shapes and sizes. Today, kindergartners are expected to head to first grade as beginning readers with basic skills in place to ensure their success in core content areas. To…

Offers guidelines for evaluating basal reading series when two series are to be adopted. (HTH)

Notes that the main problem with using Informal Reading Inventories (IRIs) for measuring reading growth is that running records and miscue analyses are gathered on variable levels of text that are appropriate for each child. Presents several possible solutions to the measurement problem beyond the simple profile descriptions usually reported from…

Parents can help young children learn to read or become better readers. Activities designed to be done at home each evening are suggested to teach and reinforce beginning reading skills. (MT)

The "Book Buddies" manual and "Emergent Reader" training videos provide comprehensive and easy-to-implement guidelines for setting up and running a successful tutorial program in the early grades. Portraying the "Book Buddies" model in practice, this 51-minute videotape entitled "Emergent Reader--Day One"…

Based on meetings of educators representing the diversity of literacy organizations in Texas, this pamphlet addresses the need for a balanced and comprehensive approach to reading instruction--an approach that recognizes the importance of phonemic awareness, explicit letter-sound instruction, and word recognition practice as well as focused…

Suggests ways parents can encourage the development of reading and thinking skills in their children. (Author/MP)

Discusses children's interest in names, and the importance of this interest for their developing literacy. (MM)