This study was a follow-up of a three year longitudinal study of factors affecting learning to read. It examined the efficacy of four different approaches to beginning reading instruction on subsequent reading achievement in grade four. Major purposes were to determine what effect maturation and exposure to a non-experimental typical grade four…

Papers presented suggest a variety of views aimed at helping the teacher become more proficient in using children's literature in teaching reading. David C. Davis points out the need for developing programs in which books are selected on their literary quality, not on tastes or personal points of view. William G. McCarthy discusses the…

Individualized reading is important to students in both elementary and secondary grades because it provides opportunities for them to find pleasure in reading, to internalize reading skills, to develop the reading habit, and to mature in book choices. Such programs are not intended to teach reading skills, but, if initiated at the elementary…

The sequential program in the "Read On" series uses a diagnostic/prescriptive approach to teaching adults and teenagers who have little or no competence in basic reading skills. This introductory packet consists of a text and workbook that deal with adult themes ranging from grocery shopping to fishing and motorcycling and a teacher's guide…

Noting that children's experiences at home during the preschool years set the stage for reading success, this guide provides the initiative, principles, and activities for reading to children from early months to 7 years to improve their literacy acquisition. The nine chapters are as follows: (1) "Reading: An Overview of the Discovery…

Concerned that the present 2-year, compulsory, language program in secondary schools is unrealistic in the instructional objectives it asserts, the author proposes that a strong reading program be offered to interested students. Some discussion of current curricular problems, reading materials, and transfer of learning is made. The Ebacher Rapid…

The reading program for the junior high special curriculum which is described uses a protective vocabulary of about 100 words and phrases, experience charts, incidental materials, and basal texts. Basic considerations of the functioning of mentally handicapped children are used in determining the scope of the program; instructions are given for…

Drawing on methods currently employed at St. Philip's College (San Antonio, Texas), this paper describes six strategies for teaching critical reading skills to developmental students. For each of the methods presented, relevant resources are cited, a step-by-step instructional approach is provided, and the purpose and goals of the specific…