Offers 10 strategies to enhance reading skills through wildlife reference books and other literature. Lists 10 nonfiction and 33 fiction references as resources for initiating a positive relationship among children, wildlife, and reading. (MG)

Summarizes a longitudinal study examining the relationship between the abilities of young children to read and spell phonologically. Shows that children acquire the ability to use a phonological strategy for spelling before the ability to use an equivalent strategy for reading is confirmed. Discusses implications for reading instruction. (MG)

Analyzes how sixth graders' untrained summarization ability relates to studying and recall of important text information in a more demanding task. Finds that neither summarization ability nor notetaking skill individually predicted better recall. Suggests instructional guidelines and caveats. (RS)

Presents a basic vocabulary strategy to boost elementary students' reading comprehension and success. The three steps include identifying vocabulary words that students will need to comprehend the reading; preteaching only three to five words; and connecting the new words to concepts that students already know. (SM)

Compares the use of the third person direct object pronoun by native English-speaking students to use by 10 third-semester second-language (French) students. Suggests several instructional techniques. Examines the inconsistencies between first and second language reading ability to highlight the need for a sharing of information between the two…

Presents a method that involves the execution of a make-the-quiz exercise to inspire students to read for major facts and ideas in academic publications. Concludes that students take the instructor's perspective, internalize class performance standards, and hence voluntarily follow those standards in their attitudes and behavior toward learning…

To motivate students to read, it is important for teachers to teach the reader, not the reading. This article presents three strategies for accomplishing this: studying the child, not the book; focusing on students' reading lives and knowing them as readers; and thinking of students as readers. (SM)

Mapping (a visual system of condensing materials to show relationships and importance) is a strategy for reading which may be used by students in various courses throughout their college experience, or prior to their college experience. Mapping may also be used by individuals, small study groups, or in large groups. Mapping consists of four basic…

This primer supplies systematic basic phonics material for learning how to read, to be put into the hands of children. The primer includes instructions for the teacher, but it assumes that the user also has read either the book, "How the Alphabet Works," or the matching pamphlet, "Systematic Basic Phonics," which is included in the back of the…

A total reading program must provide for the sequential development of reading skills and the deliberate development of interest in reading. The prime means of accomplishing the goals of skills and interest in reading is use of a basal reading program along with independent reading. The basal reader is designed to provide for the sequential…

Beyond the first several thousand most commonly used words in a language, direct vocabulary instruction is not efficient. Use of inferential skills then becomes the most effective way of learning new vocabulary; it is the way native speakers build their 60,000 word vocabularies. Because the skill is not automatically transferable, it must be…

The booklet examines a special program for gifted readers in the elementary classrooms. Following a brief review of the gifted population and typical characteristics of the gifted child, the booklet addresses such program planning aspects as decisions regarding special vs. regular class placement. Program development issues include decisions…

After examining several definitions of learning styles, this guide helps reading teachers identify the areas in which they need to adapt their practices in adjusting to differences in their students' learning styles. A 34-item Teacher Inventory of Adaptations for Learning Styles in Reading Classes checklist is provided in the guide. (MS)

Intended to help teachers improve students' word recognition skills, this guide covers word recognition, phonics, and dictionary use instruction. Following a preface, the first chapter discusses the place of word recognition in the school and introduces various word recognition skills clusters. Each of the next three chapters is divided into two…

The techniques of chapter mapping, reading chapter keys, and "T-note" making can help a student overcome immediate academic problems and stimulate student interest in taking a more thorough study skills course at a later time. Completed chapter maps provide the student with several immediate benefits, including a one-page list of all…