The twofold purpose of this study was to determine the reasons and motivations for the choice of favorite books made by fifth grade children and to determine whether teachers and librarians were able to identify the reasons influencing the children in this selection. Results showed that primary interest areas were animals, mystery and ghost…

This paper examines some of the problems associated with unquestioned teaching practices and theories ("sacred cows") in the field of reading. Topics discussed include phonics, pronunciation, oral reading, teacher accountability and behavioral objectives, individualized reading, and the open classroom. (KS)

To help an elementary-level reader in a secondary school learn to read, the program must not threaten the student's ego or undermine peer approval, and it must be individualized, in the diagnostic-prescriptive mold. Any organizational plan that meets these criteria should be workable. The characteristics of several possible approaches are…

The Reading Center at Lakewood High School has several major components: a developmental reading program, a remedial program, a program of reading for new Americans, and the inservice training of teachers. Each of these components is briefly described. (AA)

This paper discusses the importance of reading aloud to students. It emphasizes the teacher's need to plan carefully when to read and what books to read. The paper suggests the following ideas should guide a teacher's choice of reading material: whether the story will capture students' attention; whether the story will increase students'…

This paper provides an overview of Breakthrough to Literacy, a research-based early literacy program that combines interactive software, quality print materials, take-home materials and staff development to provide individualized reading instruction for students. It uses technology to help children understand the relationship between sound, print,…

The school library is very important in developing a quality reading program. The library books and other reading materials need to be varied and on various levels of reading complexity so that students can read meaningfully without facing failure in word recognition and comprehension of ideas. This paper discusses school libraries and their…

Differentiating textbooks is modifying or adapting textbooks in ways that make them easier for students to read and comprehend and then to retain what they have read. This book explains how teachers can motivate their students as they are confronted with text which is generally written in a "less-than-engaging" expository style. The strategies…

Cites articles and research suggesting that the ability to learn to read is inherent within any normal child and recommends that teachers use strategies and materials relevant to the child rather than a prestructured reading program. (MM)