This book is intended for students in colleges of education and classroom teachers. The book consists of three parts. Part one discusses the historical, linguistic, and psychological background to the learning and teaching of reading. Areas given primary consideration are language and reading, skills and abilities involved in the reading process, and reading readiness. Part two describes important considerations to make when choosing an approach for reading instruction; some of the basic principles and major approaches are outlined. Part three, on day to day work within the classroom, addresses organizational factors, reading schemes, beginning reading, assessing readiness and progress, reading difficulties, and motivation. A glossary of some of the more technical terms is provided. (WR)