Using pre- and post-tests, parent surveys, and student interviews, an Illinois kindergarten teacher examined the effects of authentic literacy experiences on her students' reading and writing activity levels, perceptions about literacy, and emergent literacy skills. Students responded positively to hands-on literacy experiences. Sample checklists…

A second-grade teacher conducted a study aimed at raising students' abilities to use certain strategies (predicting, questioning, and connecting to text) and at increasing their enthusiasm for reading via literature circles (book discussion groups). Test and rubric results, survey responses, and interview comments affirm literature circles' value.…