The literature on reading aloud indicates a positive result when children read aloud with others. Reading aloud is found to enhance a student's vocabulary, to familiarize students with language patterns and sentence structure, to help students develop listening skills and increased attention spans, and to build children's curiosity in reading.…

This project is designed to engage families in shared literacy activities. The K-2 students take turns taking home a book bag that includes a stuffed toy, a book, art supplies, a topic to discuss with their families, and a journal to share their thoughts and ideas. Through the experience they build positive memories of literacy activities. During…

This report describes a program for improving vocabulary development thorough balanced literacy. The targeted population consisted of three elementary classrooms in a community located in a southern suburb of Chicago. A lack of vocabulary knowledge that interfered with student academic success was documented in state and standardized test results,…

The Caldecott Awards are presented annually for the most distinguished American picture book(s) published for children. Invariably these books are well written and illustrated and frequently touch an inner core. Here are some of the messages the Caldecott winners can pass along: a book should be a pleasure to hear; a book should help a child…

This booklet presents parents with 10 "easy and fun" tips for helping them to speak and listen effectively to their children. The tips in the booklet are: be interested; make and keep eye contact; be a good language model; avoid dead-end questions; extend conversations; read aloud regularly; share your thoughts; define and reflect feelings;…

Argues that a well-planned literature program can instill in primary-grade children a lifelong love of literature and reading. Describes one such program, the Literature in Teaching program developed in Evanston, Indiana, by classroom teachers and librarians. (FL)

Aversion to poetry reading in adults may be directly related to the misguided teaching methods directed toward the student. Programs for teaching poetry to elementary and junior high students should focus on two areas of emphasis: how to read poetry, both aloud and silently, and how to understand poetry. (JN)

Identifies several teaching techniques that help children develop an awareness of the communicative nature of reading and writing. Cites learning theories to support the techniques. (FL)

Suggests as a read-aloud an entire novel that is particularly well suited for English-as-a-second-language (ESL) learners: "Grab Hands and Run," a story about a family living with and then fleeing from the dangerous situation in El Salvador. Identifies several brief passages in the book and presents each in relation to ESL issues. (SR)

Presents brief annotations of 30 recently published United States trade books for children and adolescents, chosen by teachers for this annual list, and found to be exceptional in curriculum use and good for reading aloud at home. Groups books into primary, intermediate, and advanced levels. (SR)

Hopes to describe and understand one kindergarten teacher's style of reading aloud to children, a style that seemed to be quite effective in both engaging children and encouraging their critical thinking and thoughtful literary interpretation. Describes the roles and scaffolding functions of the teacher during storybook readalouds that helped…

Describes how pre-kindergarten through elementary teachers can enhance the vocabulary development of young children, focusing on teaching words from texts that are read aloud to children rather than read by children. Examines sequenced activities for teaching words to young children and activities that encourage children to interact with words,…

Mother and child dyads were videotaped four times over 16 days as they repeatedly read an initially unfamiliar storybook. Results are discussed in terms of maternal scaffolding approaches, child participation, importance of context and the nature of the task, and implications for intervention. (Author/VWL)

Describes the preparation, implementation, and results of a classroom cross-age tutoring project, which involved third and fourth graders reading books to younger students. Discusses evolution of project: students' lesson plans became more student-centered and complex over time, tutors assumed responsibility for younger children, and their…