Examines the nature of early school reading material and its distinct discourse structures, which are used to present possible social worlds and characters to children. Argues that understanding the interpretive challenges and problems that such texts present to children aids teachers in enhancing literacy. (RAE)

The order of difficulty of positions and the segmentability of phoneme categories are discussed in relation to the hypothesis that phonemes are functioning units in the perception and production of speech. The final version of the program for teaching phonemic segmentation is described. (Author/LMO)

Study compares the vocabulary generated from writing samples of 52 first-grade children in two whole language classrooms with vocabulary contained in the basal reader program. Concludes that whole language instruction does not limit children's exposure to systematic repetition of important vocabulary. (MM)

Two studies involving 215 subjects tested the hypothesis that orthographic coding bypasses phonological coding after the early stages of reading or spelling. It was found that nondyslexics continue to develop phonological coding skill until adulthood and rely on it for reading and spelling to a significantly greater extent than do dyslexics.…

Recent research on reading reveals many methods work for teaching reading. There are three individual reading styles: (1) those who need phonics, (2) those who can learn it but don't need it, and (3) those unable to learn phonics. The level of reading achievement depends on how well instructional program accommodates to an individual's reading…

Indicates that oral reading, turning the text into a big book, interpretive activities, and repeated shared readings can give even young children a command of the text. (FL)

Describes how in the 1960s and 1970s critics of the schools as well as the transitory interests of the schools themselves were the greatest forces for change in basal reader programs. Discusses how current demand for high test scores has influenced those who prepare basal material. (Author/NH)

Investigates the effect of corrective feedback on the capacity of preliterate children to learn explicit phonetic segmentation. (HOD)

Describes the activities in a first grade classroom in a small rural school district where reading instruction mirrors the kinds of reading done in the real world. (FL)

Relates the belief that "shared reading" using big books will provide children with a meaningful introductin to reading. (DF)

Substantiates a positive and significant relationship between high interest and literal comprehension for second grade readers in the Virgin Islands. Asks teachers to consider how this might affect classroom instruction. (FL)

Psycholinguists feel that the reading process and reading instruction should be reviewed in light of language and learning theories. (JH)

This article systematically reviews research on elementary reading programs for English language learners and other language minority students. It focuses on studies that compared experimental and control groups on quantitative reading measures. Among beginning reading models, research supported structured, phonetic programs emphasizing language…

This book provides an efficient framework for introducing pre-kindergartners and kindergartners to letter-sounds while concurrently promoting reading and writing. The classroom-friendly framework takes letter-sound instruction to a new level by: promoting learning for kindergarten of all ability levels--from the student just learning what sound…

Volunteer tutors can make a difference in the reading skills and the lives of young children. This comprehensive tutorial manual has been developed from the Book Buddies Program of Charlottesville, Virginia, the first large-scale model to mobilize hundreds of community volunteers in an alternative of one-on-one intervention for children at risk…