Noting that children's success as learners rests on their ability to read well, this booklet provides parents with information about learning to read and includes activities for them to use in helping their children become readers. Twelve essential components of research-based reading programs are discussed: components 1 through 5 list activities…

When parents and other family members read with their children, help them with homework, talk with their teachers, and participate in school or other learning activities, they give their children a tremendous advantage. The foundation for learning to read is in place long before children enter school and begin formal reading instruction. Families…

This book is intended as a resource for preservice and practicing teachers who want to build, extend, or enliven a program in which students explore the expanding world of children's literature. The book's author draws on her 30 years as an elementary school teacher and student of literary/literacy learning to present a theoretically grounded and…

When parents and other family members read with their children, help them with homework, talk with their teachers, and participate in school or other learning activities, they give their children a tremendous advantage. The foundation for learning to read is in place long before children enter school and begin formal reading instruction. Families…

This textbook is about engaging students from fourth through eighth grade in literacy experiences. It is intended to help teachers of adolescents expand their knowledge of this age group and explore ways of engaging these students in meaningful literacy learning. Part One (chapters 1-4) provides selected theoretical foundations for developmental…

More than a list of activities or descriptions of strategies for teaching reading in the primary grades, this book is organized around a series of interconnected interactions with the learner: assessment; demonstration; practice; and response. After describing the role of the teacher and setting up the classroom environment, the book shows how…

One of a series of 10 English/Pacific language audiocassettes, this bilingual (English/Hawaiian) audio guide explores the benefits of reading aloud to children. Family members will learn how they can positively impact their children's success in school by reading aloud to them at home. A model session using a local story demonstrates read-aloud…

One of a series of 10 English/Pacific language audiocassettes, this bilingual (English/Samoan) audio guide explores the benefits of reading aloud to children. Family members will learn how they can positively impact their children's success in school by reading aloud to them at home. A model session using a local story demonstrates read-aloud…

Research indicates that parental involvement in activities that support academic areas is directly correlated with reading achievement and development. This study stresses the importance of reading aloud to your child, the connections between reading aloud at home and at school, the value of implementing hands-on literacy based activities that…

In addition to a teacher's having the enjoyment and appreciation of poetry as an educational objective for his/her students, there are numerous objectives that stress learners becoming proficient in hearing phonic elements, such as in rhyme in verse read and written. For example, a student teacher and a cooperating teacher in a second/third grade…

Describes an oral literature program that motivated children to read more and better books, provided them with meaningful, literature-centered reading and listening practice; expanded their knowledge of their literary heritage; enhanced their reading comprehension; and sharpened their reading, vocabulary, and listening skills. (FL)

A "Personalized Contract Book Program," modeled on the way that competent readers learn to read at home, provided a nonpressured environment that fostered students' reading development. (DD)

Describes a variety of ways to use literature (including fiction and nonfiction trade books as well as children's trade books) in both content and English-as-a-Second-Language classrooms at the secondary level. Discusses modifying content with trade books, books as sources of individualized input, learning general vocabulary through literature,…

Describes a classroom lesson on comets that uses modeling and guided imagery to spark students' curiosity. Comet models are built using chunks of rock salt, polystyrene balls, and tinsel. Abstract ideas are made more concrete with a guided imagery story called Comet Ride! Includes an introduction to the use of parallax to measure the distance of…

Presents a short excerpt from Barbara Kingsolver's book "High Tide in Tucson," intended as a read-aloud for adult beginning readers. Discusses the selection, why it was chosen, and specific activities (both language arts and other) that could grow out of this excerpt. (SR)