Discusses ways to use bar charts and line graphs to present comparative information in a flexible manner. Includes activities designed to review how the different characteristics of charts and graphs relate to different document structures. (RS)

Argues that graphs and charts are cases of document structures introduced in previous columns: combined lists, intersecting lists, and nested lists. Explores pie charts and various aspects of bar charts as they relate to other document structures presented in this series. (RS)

Discusses why strong parental involvement programs are difficult to implement. Suggests guidelines for beginning programs of parental involvement in reading curriculum. (MM)

Discusses several principles that can help reading teachers create fluency activities: repetition, modeling, direct instruction and feedback, support during reading, emphasis on reading in chunks or phrases, and use of easy materials. Notes that these principles are guidelines for developing reading instruction and activities that promote fluency.…

Explores the role of purpose in reading lessons by discussing some common problems with teacher-directed purpose, looking at how purpose works during reading, identifying purposes for reading and instructional strategies for each purpose, and developing a set of guidelines for thinking and making decisions about purpose and reading lessons. (MG)

Reasons for reading difficulties are explored, such as failure to understand the language of instruction and the conventions of print, lack of time, etc. The "hypothesis test technique" is recommended for training students to use context, sentence meaning, and single letter cues to recognize a word. (JDD)

Describes and examines the taxonomic linguistic system, a multi-level classification of language. Notes that this system not only formed the basis for all reading instruction, but also influenced reading research. Argues that this system should be replaced by one less simplistic and more realistic. (MM)

Explores procedures for improving the teaching of reading through the use of a direct instruction staff development model based on research that includes the application of five principles of effective staff development. Includes theory presentation, demonstration, guided practice, classroom practice, feedback, and coaching. (PRA)

Offers an answer from Marie Clay and Barbara Watson concerning training for the Reading Recovery program. Provides a list of training sites available for interested readers. (MG)

Shares an observation guide, created by the author, for supervisors and administrators to use to assist teachers who are working toward an integrated reading/language arts program. (MG)

Suggests that teachers can help students to use the Internet wisely by using what they already know as reading teachers: help them to read with a purpose. Notes that students should have a purpose for their searches of the Internet. Lists "plusses" for teachers and learners (as well as cautions) regarding using the Internet in the…

Discusses how at the National Council of Teachers of English conference, the Children's Literature Assembly sponsors a Master Class focusing on the teaching of children's literature. Presents an overview of the insights shared by each of the three presenters during the Master Class in the year 2000, which focused on illustration in children's…

Suggests that the use of a personalized and rhyming approach makes reading more enjoyable and inviting to children because: (1) the sounds are appealing to the ear; and (2) the combination of personalization and rhyming keeps a child focused and maximizes repetitive readings. Concludes that personalization and rhyming are natural associations that…

Suggests a possibility of resolving the problem of reading motivation for some students. Considers that children and adults like to read about familiar places such as their home state with people and settings that they know about written by authors who live or have lived in that state. Includes a list of 50 books (arranged by state) for the upper…

This guide provides information critical to developing and implementing an effective school-level intervention program. It is designed to suggest some guiding principles along with examples of how these principles can be operationalized to develop an effective school-level system for meeting the instruction needs of all students. This guide may…