Parents have an important role in their child's early preparation for reading. To help children develop positive attitudes towards reading, parents can read aloud, talk and listen to their children, show good reading habits, play with their children, and take field trips. (DF)

Suggests that the acronym "SCIENCE" may be used as a guide to evaluating seven factors that should be promoted by a reading program: success, curiosity, interest, enthusiasm, nurture, challenge, and enjoyment. (MKM)

Argues that the "good" reader in school, who has mastered reading skills, does not offer a natural starting point for progression to the "good" reader of adulthood who is an active and voracious reader. Stresses that reading in school needs to reflect reading attitudes and behaviors of "good" adult readers. (RS)

Creative ways to motivate students to read and report on books include having them retell the stories differently, invent products related to the stories, share snacks like those the characters ate, illustrate action from the story, write imaginary conversations between themselves and the characters, and turn the stories into short skits. (SM)

Explores the enormous attraction for young readers of series books (such as Nancy Drew, Hardy Boys, and currently "The Baby-Sitters Club"). Discusses what children might learn from such reading, often thought of as pap literature by adults. (SR)

Examines R.L. Stine's "Goosebumps" series, and investigates why children (including the author's two daughters) like them. Explores the lures of the horror fiction genre. Suggests that the attractiveness of the genre can be found in books more rewarding in literary terms, such as those by John Bellairs. Offers suggestions about the…

There is considerable research evidence to suggest that (1) literature has a positive effect both on reading achievement and attitude toward reading; and (2) the use of a literature-based program is an effective alternative to the traditional basal reading approach. The majority of studies concluded that the literature-based approach produced…

Research indicates that the use of children's literature can have a positive effect on both reading achievement and reading attitudes. The overemphasis on skills and the exclusive use of the basal reader does not appear to motivate students to become readers. Educators should be exposing children to worthwhile literature in order to motivate them…

Intended to help communities raise funds for Reading Is Fundamental (RIF) projects, this booklet lists ideas and examples, many volunteered and tested by RIF projects themselves. The first of the booklet's four sections offers suggestions for preparing for a fundraising effort. The next two sections contain ideas on the main avenues of…

Describes method of presenting theme booktalks to high school students to appeal to their various reading levels and interests. Excerpts from various forms of adult classics and young adult literature illustrate a technique to link the works by themes pertinent to teenage readers. (CD)

Provides an overview of the needs of the adolescent, contemporary trends impacting the adolescent, and 16 action steps which library professionals might take to be in touch with the reluctant adolescent reader. A summary of adolescents' responses to a questionnaire concerning adolescent reading issues is included. (EJS)

Considers how while some Robin Hood books are clearly intended for young readers, others blur the boundaries, sometimes in ways that help break down artificial boundaries dividing fiction for children from that for adults. Explores the legend's long history to help understand why the story lends itself to such a wide variety of retellings.…

Questions students on what gets in the way of reading for them and what advice they would give educators to help overcome those obstacles. Concludes that as a result of their words, educators now look at each classroom for common elements that support all readers: diverse resources, respected adults as readers, choice, time for reading, multiple…

Provides three interdependent principles which invite parents to take an active role in assessing their child's individual literacy growth. Shares six ideas for teachers who want parents to become active partners in the assessment process. (MG)

Reviews four articles which suggest ways to help elementary students overcome frustration from reading failure. Suggests modifying negative attitudes, improving achievement through parent counseling, and teaching students self-regulatory skills. (SR)