Investigated strategies beginning readers use as they read self-selected texts in the reading centers of first-grade whole language classrooms. Patterns of reading behavior show general movement from a focus on pictures to a focus on print. Strategies were recursive, not developmentally linear. (Author/BB)

In the research paper considered, Stahl and Miller compare the effectiveness of whole language/language experience programs versus basal reader approaches. The article is criticized for its lack of longitudinal data, alternative interpretations, and information concerning the broad goals of whole language approaches. (TJH)

The effectiveness of whole language/language experience programs versus basal reader approaches is considered. The politicization of whole language teaching and the use of the nonbasal approaches in kindergarten versus first grade are the focal themes. (TJH)

Reviews theories of literacy development, examining the significance of text in the reading process, different instructional methods, and philosophies underlying use of story books and commercial reading material. Discusses the concept of "cohesion" as a useful construct for researching children's story books. (HTH)

Asserts that the cycle of at-risk readers' self-perception and teachers' perception can be broken by providing rich, accelerated literacy instruction. Discusses early intervention programs, such as Reading Recovery and Early Intervention in Reading, and other intervention models such as Success for All. Describes teaching strategies used to…

Notes the California's Reading Task Force's heavy emphasis on phonemic awareness (PA) evaluation and training. Argues that although evidence shows that phonemic awareness will emerge by simply reading, California's school libraries--ranked near last in the nation--would require a massive commitment to rise to the task. Argues (in an ironic tone)…

Describes a model of father-child literacy activities, based on observed activities of 60 fathers involved in Project DADS in New Mexico. The model consists of four approaches to getting fathers involved: early social interaction, reading books, preliteracy activities, and school involvement. (LBT)

Looks at how "scientifically based" literacy research promoting the direct, explicit, and systematic use of phonics and related word skills in beginning reading instruction is having a massive effect on policy and practice. Examines what this research claims to have found and what it actually shows. Discusses how it harms research,…

This ethnographic study examined school literacy experiences of 10 young students with Down syndrome over two years. Two broad definitions of literacy were identified. When reading was a hierarchy of psychologically deduced subskills, children with Down syndrome were usually excluded, but when literacy was the construction of shared meaning in…

This article addresses two sets of organizing principles to guide prevention and intervention in beginning reading: (1) the complexity in our alphabetic writing system, and (2) the complexity in our schools. The first set is related to instructional design, while the second set is related to a schoolwide model. (Contains references.) (Author/CR)

Describes the creative instructional techniques used to teach and encourage reading at Clackamas Elementary School, Oregon: reading-ability grouping across grades two through six; child-generated vocabulary; peer-to-peer reading; self-esteem reinforcement; and combined use of whole-language, phonics, and cueing strategies. Emphasizes use of…

Toronto Catholic District School Board implemented an early literacy program designed to ensure that all students can read and write to their full potential by the end of Grade 3. Instruction and assessment are integrated in four daily 30-minute blocks: word study, writing, guided reading, and self-selected reading. Students improved on seven of…

This article describes several techniques for structuring storybook reading interactions to best promote emergent literacy development for young children with disabilities. Techniques are presented for increasing the appeal and interactive nature of shared storybook reading and ways to promote children's awareness of naturally occurring literacy…

This article focuses on how data from early literacy assessments can help teachers to better instruct English-language learning students. Data from 52 high-risk schools are used to compare the progress of English learners and English-only students on a variety of literacy assessments. Results reveal that a much higher percentage of…

Instruction in narrative text structure on first graders' listening and reading comprehension was examined with a view to documenting strategy instruction and transfer of learning in beginning readers. Of interest was whether or not first-grade students (n=35) would, following instruction within the context of listening to stories, gain in…