Argues that reading of just any kind is not enough to stave off the effects of television. Contends that the reading must involve quality books, rather than mass-marketed, instantly gratifying books geared to the lowest common denominator. (JK)

Based on information from the report, "Becoming a Nation of Readers," this article presents eight recommendations for parents to follow to provide encouragement to their children in reading. (MD)

This article presents ideas for turning elementary-level nonreaders into readers. Activities include teachers'"all-about-me letters" to gain insight into students' interests, and interviewing students to document their use of reading strategies. A reading strategy record sheet for the student interviews is included. (SM)

Inviting individuals and families, schools, libraries, educational, civic and government associations, labor unions, and others to join in building a nation of readers, this booklet lists ideas for organizing and supporting reading promotion projects that benefit all age groups. Ideas presented in the booklet include: teach someone to read; set…

The dichotomy a teacher educator experienced as a child between reading library books and "store-bought" books at home and reading the textbooks in school turned out to fuel major debates in the teaching of reading. She always believed that she had learned to read with books--she simply endured the school readers to get through school.…

This article describes how to create a "literature oasis" that will encourage gifted students to read. The process involves conducting student interviews to determine interests and attitudes, evaluating programs and practices regarding literature, designing a conducive classroom, and using literature circles and literature response logs. (CR)

Describes two web sites, Teaching Reading in Every Classroom and the Read In! Foundation, that provide teachers with resources and links they can use to enhance their teaching. Notes the first site is part of an inservice program developed in connection with California's language arts standards; the second includes teacher resources and links both…

Discusses the independent reading choices of students in grades six, seven, and eight at one middle school in Maryland. (MG)

Follows the reading and writing development of a young boy from first through third grade. Shares how, through storytelling, he defined a sense of himself that retained a strong connection to his primary-years personality while reaching out confidently toward the world of upper elementary classrooms that he would now be facing. (MG)

Noting that parent involvement could be the single most important factor in children's success in school, this book helps parents act as tutors in reading and writing for their kindergarten children. It offers both general guidelines and specific strategies and activities to use for accomplishing specific objectives, such as improving decoding…

Reading achievement and instruction receive wide attention in the popular press. Ways in which principals can increase reading levels in their schools are offered here. The text emphasizes the fact that principals have the power to create a "school of readers"; it offers current research in reading instruction and shares eight components needed to…

Based on the idea that parents are the first and most important teachers of their children's literacy, this booklet offers 101 practical and fun-to-do activities that children and parents can do together. The activities in the booklet are organized to fit the way parents tend to think about their time with their children: in the nursery; at…

Readily adaptable to classrooms, youth service organizations, and other groups that serve young people, the motivation activities in this book were set up for Reading is Fundamental projects and field tested by the organization's volunteers. Following an introduction to the characteristics of a good motivational activity and some guidelines for…

Intended for teachers to share with parents of school children, this paper presents techniques to encourage children to read during their summer vacations. The 21 suggestions for parents include the following: (1) model reading behaviors, (2) brainstorm with children to determine possible areas of interest, (3) read aloud to children, (4) allow…

Americans tend to regard persons without the ability to read as being less than fully functioning members of society. There are at least four ways in which educators can deal with what appears to be a prejudice in favor of literacy while also ensuring widespread literacy: by educating parents and the general public that other means to…