Suggests ways reading teachers can keep up with new children's books, obtain books, and motivate students to read. (DD)

Considers how commercialization has brought popular culture texts and products into children's book publishing, possibly compromising the potential for books that reflectively engage children. Hopes to inform readers of current influences on children's book publishing and to raise questions for discussion and debate among those who are interested…

Discusses some recent trends in teacher certification and professional development and the impact they have had on literacy instruction in schools. Argues for a multifaceted approach to meet the demand for high-quality teachers. Discusses alternative pathways to licensure. (SG)

Encourages a movement back to providing more stories in the daily lives of children. Suggests that many classifications of story should exist within the curricula of schools and, therefore, in the hearts and minds of children, in the culture, and in the future. Presents the author's categories of stories: the gifts; teacher tales; and affirmation…

Considers how words and image convey multiple meanings, lending themselves to postmodern readings, in the sense that they encourage readings that reject a single interpretation and instead hold in suspense the possibility of multiple readings co-existing. Explores how these texts allow the consumer/reader the opportunity to actively engage the…

Describes three patterns of literature-based reading instruction blending different aspects of instructional format and literature selection: teacher-selected literature in teacher-led groups; teacher-and student-selected literature in teacher- and student-led small groups; and student-selected literature read independently. Emphasizes combining…

Examines three teachers' interpretations and implementations of literature-based reading. Identifies common elements of successful literature-based reading programs, including individualized time, teacher-directed lessons, and group projects. (MM)

Examines the issue of problem solving and reasoning in relationship to reading. Claims that reading programs are effective vehicles for enhancing reasoning skills. Explores how reading programs can develop higher order thinking, and considers a way to present stories which uncovers the reasoning process through a problem-solution framework. (MM)

The importance of motivation in the use of Fernald Techniques is discussed and applied to reading instruction for students with learning problems. Fernald methods begin with a multisensory approach and move through four steps to independent learning. Success depends on students' motivational readiness for instruction and motivation during and…

Delineates options for creating a school policy on parental involvement in reading. Identifies five parallel strands based on various stages of school life, including programs for: (1) all children; (2) more involved families; (3) novelty and individualization; (4) children with special needs; and (5) volunteer parents in school. (RS)

The article reviews definitions of giftedness and gifted readers and reviews research on reading for the gifted. Also discussed are strategies and innovative practices that are effective with gifted readers, including interest assessment, learning styles evaluation, curriculum compacting, and the three types of enrichment in the Enrichment Triad…

Discusses the use of Informal Reading Inventories (IRIs) in evaluating reading performance. Notes that although the IRI provides an in-depth evaluation of reading behavior, it should be used in conjunction with other information to assess reading ability. (MM)

Reflects on reading research and reading education, observing that mature judgment and perspective seem to be lacking in both fields. (MM)

Discusses the relationship between vocabulary and reading comprehension. Cites recent research supporting the utility of both direct and indirect vocabulary instruction. (MM)

Discusses connections between play and reading at the primary level. Notes that sociodramatic play has the clearest link to reading because it involves imagination and manipulation of time and reality. Argues that play facilitates reading when it involves both the manipulation of symbols and acts of reading and writing. (MM)