Read Across America Day was created by the National Education Association in 1998. This column presents suggestions for classroom activities that can be used to celebrate this day. Suggestions include: (1) Making a Read Across America flag; (2) Taking pictures of staff with their favorite books; and (3) Sending out ballots asking students and…

Every student is directly enabled to experience the full majesty and power of the literacy lion. Strategies for multiple intelligences that can help generate reading strategies specifically tailored to students are presented.

Examines use of humorous literature with children who are reluctant readers. Presents a rationale for using humorous literature to aid in developing word recognition and reading fluency. Follows with descriptions of various types of humor found in children's trade books; suggests ways to motivate children to participate in repeated readings.…

Describes a project for middle school librarians to use to motivate students to read for pleasure. Explains activities based on the idea of a mystery at the school, and describes how clues were developed and linked to books in certain genres that students had to read. (LRW)

Offering over 300 successful "booktalks" for librarians, teachers, and parents, this book shows how to "hook" reluctant readers onto books. The field-tested booktalks (brief "commercials" for books that give just enough information to promote reading the book) are divided into three reading levels: elementary, middle…

Argues that by improving students' access to information books, teachers can do a better job of helping struggling readers become skillful, motivated readers. Documents the overwhelming use of stories in what students are expected to read and write, discusses the importance of balancing reading instruction with information text, and provides…

Advocates the use of "talking books" (books recorded on tape) with young adult literature and adolescent readers. Discusses the joys of audio books, opportunities they offer for motivation and instruction, and their availability. (SR)

Explores a set of associated texts linked with the film "Men in Black." States that different materials offer varying reading invitations. Offers a schema of such reading invitations, developed from the "Men in Black" texts that involves seven categories: immersion, recapitulation, second-level engagement, technical analysis, commentary, spin-off,…

Describes how to use drama to help students live through and see what they are reading, thus enjoying reading more. The workshop offers strategies for reading and writing dramatic texts. A reading and writing workshop poster on a Midsummer Night's Dream is included. A reproducible sheet allows students to use their imaginations to create dramatic…

This volume, a companion to "Talk That Book: Booktalks To Promote Reading," presents 263 new booktalks on classics and best sellers that serve a wide range of interests for all ages and reading interests. Usually, booktalking is an oral presentation of 10 or 20 booktalks lasting about 30 minutes; however, this book can also act as a…

Argues that reading aloud is an important motivational strategy for primary school children as well as secondary school children. Discusses ways of carrying out this worthwhile activity. (SR)

Presents primary and intermediate level activities that use predictions to help students think deeply about books. The primary activity uses a prediction chart to encourage thinking and enthusiasm about reading. The intermediate activity uses prediction book reports to change writing about books from merely retelling, to higher-level thinking. A…

This teaching resource goes beyond songs, games, and finger plays to function as a one-of-a-kind interactive book. Teachers are given basic instructions on how to create a variety of different interactive books for their students to enjoy. Lists of materials needed to create each book are also included with the instructions. The resource book…

Proposes that teachers look to current and classic literature as a way to motivate adolescent boys to read and to provide them with positive male role models. Defines 10 male archetypes, and lists examples of literature that illustrate each archetype. (SR)

Notes that incorporating sign language in a diverse curriculum enhances the rate of children's learning, leads to greater motivation for reading, and reaches a broad spectrum of children--some of whom may have had difficulties learning with only visual and auditory approaches. Describes how the author incorporates signing in a kindergarten class.…