This paper begins with an overview of necessary word recognition skills and the debate between use of phonics versus whole language. The paper gives a useful 5-step strategy for decoding unfamiliar words: (1) use context clues; (2) try the sound of the initial consonant, vowel, or blend in addition to context clues; (3) check for structural clues;…

The middle school reading/literature instructor needs to determine where each student is in reading achievement and then assist each to achieve as optimally as possible. What might the teacher do to assist students to become good middle school readers? A major problem of middle schoolers is to be able to recognize a certain percent of words…

The university curriculum leans heavily upon reading for a major way of learning in almost all academic disciplines, and problems with reading will hinder student achievement in the university. What should be done on the remedial level of instruction in reading so that the university student may proceed in working on degree requirements? First,…

Reading as a skill permeates all curriculum areas--literature, social studies, science, mathematics, health, music, art, and physical education to some extent. Teachers should do much oral reading to young learners in particular. Pupils need to experience a wide variety of trade books at a reading center, while basal readers provide a quality…

The rural school teacher needs to be certain that pupils are attaining the skills needed in reading to be successful in the world of work or postsecondary education. A major source of problems for rural pupils is that many lack background information in order to attach meaning to what is being read. Adequate attention must be given to pupils…