Intended for people who are willing to expend the effort to help children become independent readers and writers, this book presents professionally accepted approaches and techniques with step-by-step instructions for tutoring on a one-on-one basis in the language of the lay person. It contains a theoretical and attitudinal base from which to tutor; discussions of needed skills and approaches for tutoring; and examples and demonstrations to illustrate theories, concepts, techniques, and activities. Interwoven throughout the text are the following underlying themes: a respect for each student as an individual; a view of the tutor and the students as both learners and teachers; a sensitivity to the importance of an immediate or relevant context; a view of tutoring and learning as collaborative activities; and an integration of all four language components. After an introduction, chapters in the book are (1) "When 'Read to Me' Becomes 'Read with Me'"; (2) "Common Questions"; (3) "Reading"; (4) "Techniques Used in Collaborative Tutoring"; and (5) "Let's Start at the Very Beginning." Appendixes contain grade level expectations for K-3; suggested reading for grades K-5; suggestions for multicultural reading; lists of key words; sight words from environmental print; Dolch words; lists of word patterns; a sample of a tutor's work with a first-grade child; and a sample lesson plan. (Contains a 101-item bibliography.) (RS)