Autistic children experience challenges with narrative language and theory of mind (ToM). This pilot study examined the effects of a parent-led narrative intervention on the ToM of eight school-aged autistic children. Parents read three storybooks over a six-week period emphasizing ToM constructs (i.e., visual perspective-taking, emotion…

In this study, the effect of dialogic reading practices on the development of fluent reading skills of primary school 2nd grade students under the guidance of teachers and parents was examined. In the study the quasi-experimental design of the quantitative research approach was applied. A total of 30 students (first experimental group: 10, second…

This study investigated the types of reading instruction and opportunities prekindergarten children have both at school and outside of school to understand how their reading develops during the first semester of prekindergarten. An abundance of research suggests that many children enter kindergarten lacking foundational reading skills that they…

Enjoyment of reading books is related to reading proficiency, and fostering students' enjoyment of reading is imperative to support continued reading engagement. However, not all students understand that reading is important, and not all students are regularly engaged in recreational reading. Children typically read for pleasure less often as they…

Reading comprehension is a fundamental skill that all individuals should have. A foundation of reading set in children's early years is integral to proper growth and development. Parents or guardians should spend quality time reading to their children at home prior to children attending school. Teachers should construct language arts programs,…

This is a companion to the What Works Clearinghouse (WWC) practice guide, "Foundational Skills to Support Reading for Understanding in Kindergarten through 3rd Grade" (ED566956). This guide is organized according to the four recommendations and how-to steps from the WWC practice guide. The activities follow the typical developmental…

This article describes the experiences of some of the many families of the deaf and hard of hearing children who come to Shared Reading Saturdays at Northern Essex Community College (NECC) in Lawrence, Massachusetts. The program, which includes monthly gatherings and is coordinated by the NECC's Gallaudet University Regional Center, features deaf…

Recent efforts to motivate parents' involvement in their child's literacy development involve informing parents about how to incorporate literacy development into daily routines. Teacher leadership and communication are critical--the more teachers encourage and assist parents and caregivers in supporting their child's literacy development, the…

In this article, a reading specialist tells her own story of making parental involvement work with kindergarten children in her school. Using a research-based instructional routine that involves parents and children in repeatedly reading a rhythmical text followed by a brief activity involving letter learning, phonemic awareness, and phonics, this…

Parents and caregivers can play an important role in helping their at-risk children improve their reading skills. Parents generally want to be part of their children's academic achievement, but may not always know the most appropriate or effective way to contribute. Teachers encourage at-risk students to read consistently at home and supportive…

Vygotsky (1978) presented ideas influential to the "constructivist" approach to education. This approach included the "zone of proximal development," and defined what is essential for student's development of a higher cognitive ability in order to become self-motivated learners. His theory also directly relates to the research regarding the…

The purpose of this study was designed to increase the reading abilities of students in the targeted first and third grade classes in two elementary schools located in the Midwest. The study involved an action research project highlighting the overall growth of the students' academic achievement through increased reading growth. The study was…

Reviews selected theoretical and empirical work on the topic of parents reading aloud to their children to assess the state of the art in this area and suggests some aspects still unknown about the nature and consequences of reading aloud to children. (HTH)

Reports on research into how parents take strategic action on their children's behalf to increase their educational opportunities. Presents two cases that reveal strikingly different responses to school-imposed literacy practices. Examines specific literacy practices that are honored and dishonored in the name of "parental involvement." (NH)

Describes a British technique called paired reading that shows parents how to tutor their children in reading. (FL)