Methods used for teaching children to read could be the whole language approach, or the phonics approach, or maybe a balance of both. This paper is a discussion of appropriate and effective teaching practices through interesting methods such as music, the use of culturally diverse materials, and the role of toys and television as they relate to reading. The paper begins with a review of the literature on teaching methods in reading and then discusses each practice in turn. It suggests that teachers, whether they opt for phonics or whole language or a combination of both, need to use a variety of classroom practices to engage students in beginning reading. (NKA)