"Initial Reading in Spanish" is a project designed to produce a detailed, descriptive analysis of procedures used to teach Spanish-speaking children in the United States to read in their native language. This document describes the procedures in developing and evaluating such a reading program. The initial step in the program was to…

This study was designed to identify specific language variables that could prove to be useful as predictors of a child's success in beginning reading. The study is theoretical in nature and provides background information that may be useful in future empirical investigations. A review of the literature on child language acquisition was conducted.…

A special reading system was developed for elementary school children learning to read for the first time in their second language, English. This paper describes the reading system and traces its success over a four-year period as measured through standardized testing instruments. (Author)

Suggests that observations of young children's story constructions can be used to help teachers provide appropriate oral language experiences in classroom programs for beginning readers and writers. (SKC)

Describes and evaluates several methods for teaching reading that can involve the parent in the child's reading development. Concludes that a program involving paired reading in its purest form is the best method. (SRT)

Presents methods for teaching reading using Paired Reading and "real books" to determine the ingredients necessary for a successful program. Factors discussed include (1) materials (choice of books); (2) parental involvement; (3) the teacher's role (as enabler, facilitator, supporter); and (4) within-child factors (such as motivation and…

Analysis of conversation (focusing on question-answer sequences) in beginning school readers suggests that such books typically convey an image of childhood that combines conversational initiative and conversational competence as a member of the classroom community. (Author/CB)

The effects of semantic integration training on reading comprehension and recall were examined using a pictograph sentence memory task. Thirty kindergarteners and 30 first graders received individual testing and treatment with one of three training methods. Performance difference of the sentence enaction, sentence control, and practice control…

Addresses attitudes toward reading resulting in beginning reading instruction in the kindergarten and preschool curriculum. Argues that previously accepted notions of the necessity of reading readiness are no longer viable and encourages home and classroom support for the acquisition of reading abilities through written and oral language. (DST)

Indicates that it is feasible to include selected expressive and receptive language activities (focusing on syntactic-semantic relationships) into reading instruction for primary grade students. (FL)

Notes that research supports the idea that children are confused about concepts related to beginning reading instruction. Reports on assessment instruments that are commercially available or can be devised by teachers. (FL)

Acknowledging that young children's early understandings about literacy occur within their cultural and linguistic communities, the book compiles articles challenging traditional views of literacy and suggesting positive new practices. Each chapter includes "reflection" and "followup" sections that reinforce the link between theory and practice,…

"Between the Lions" is a Public Broadcasting System program promoting literacy for children ages 4 through 7 years combining state-of-the-art puppetry, animation, live action, and music to achieve its mission of helping young children learn to read. This guide, in English- and Spanish-language versions, provides literacy activities for…

Reading aloud to children is the most important step towards making a child a reader. It exposes them to print and excites their curiosity through intriguing story lines. Parents play an enormous role in this aspect of reading development, because it begins long before a child is in school. In the beginning of school, teachers spend time assessing…

This book argues that elementary school teachers should study language, because knowledge of language is the foundation for teaching children to read explicitly and systematically. The book is written in nontechnical, accessible language and seeks to help the reader to understand the organization of written and spoken English, discover the…