Prepared as part of the Extended School Services Program in Kentucky, this paper provides information on how to help students become more proficient readers. The paper begins with a discussion of what reading is, the characteristics of a "good" reader (strategic, motivated, and independent), and beginning readers. It then discusses a few basic principles of teaching that should run through all instruction: modeling, scaffolded instruction, discussing the what, how, why, and when of each strategy, and caring. The next 4 sections of the paper addresses specific instructional strategies for beginning reading, vocabulary, comprehension of narrative texts (stories), and comprehension of informational texts and study skills. In each of these four sections, the paper discusses the purposes and procedures for each strategy or activity described. The paper concludes with a discussion of evaluating student progress. (Contains 26 references.) (RS)