Reviews research on writing and talking, concluding that the common contention that oral language forms the basis for pupils' written language in the middle grades must be qualified. (GT)

Concludes that monosyllabic words are easier for beginning readers to read than are polysyllabic words and that children just learning to read should be taught phonics skills with monosyllabic words. (RB)

Disagrees with recommendations made by developmental spelling researchers who advocate radical change in spelling instruction. Discusses flaws in developmental spelling research and questions researchers' advice to classroom teachers. (DR)

Reviews research findings that suggest the importance of systematic phonics instruction in beginning reading. Cites arguments against phonics teaching and indicates that they appear unsupportable since they are incompatible with research findings and since they make unwarrantedly negative accusations about the kind of teaching that must be used in…

Examines four recent criticisms of the ideas of Kenneth Goodman on reading and on the use of oral reading for diagnostic purposes. (TJ)

This review of research on handwriting and the legibility of print suggests that: (1) teachers' handwriting is less legible today than in the past, (2) manuscript should replace cursive writing in the classroom, and (3) letter size and case, leading, line length, and spacing between letters are the critical factors for legibility. (JMB)

Concludes that, while art activities can be defended as a way of adding variety or diversion in the teaching of reading, the proposition that they have a direct and positive influence on children's learning to read cannot be supported. (GT)

Suggests that teachers of reading would be in error to suppose that the displacement of regular methods of reading instruction in their classes by music activities will produce exceptional gains in skills. (Author/RB)

Groff argues against an IRA (International Reading Association) position statement assertion that no single method is the best for teaching reading, claiming that the phonics method results in the greatest reading achievement. The IRA Board of Directors replies that the position statement appropriately reflects the diverse views about reading held…

Finds that auditory discrimination as most tests measure it has little to do with how well children learn to read. (RB)

This leaflet explores the rediscovery of the importance of oral language, greatly prompted by the influence of linguists on school practices since 1960. The term "oracy," a recently coined British term which refers specifically to the ability to use the skills of speaking and listening, is discussed in several contexts: new information…

Intended for reading teachers and teacher educators, this book provides an analysis of 12 fallacious beliefs thought to be responsible for the perpetuation of ineffective and inappropriate approaches to reading instruction. The introduction looks at the dangers of the myths that underlie reading instruction, discusses how the myths arise out of an…