Reading is an important part of the modern child's environment. The number of things one must know about in order to understand this world has been enormously increased. No one can hope to learn of them all through first-hand experiences. Printed matter, which preserves and facilitates widespread distribution of knowledge, becomes a necessity. To extend the child's experiences, to teach him "how to acquire and use" knowledge in order to further his experiences and understand them--these are objectives of paramount importance before the school to-day. This bulletin focuses on these topics: (1) How the teacher helps children to realize the value of reading and to prepare themselves for it; (2) The evidences of reading readiness; (3) How the teacher builds a reading program about children's activities and contributing enterprises; (4) The reading table in the primary grades; and (5) Building fundamental reading habits. A bibliography is included. Individual sections contain footnotes. (Contains 1 table.) [Developed under the direction of the California Curriculum, Commission, California State Department of Education. Best copy available has been provided.]