A balanced approach to reading instruction favors cultivating reading as a strategic activity that requires intentionality, interest, and motivation on the part of the learner. Includes references. (MD)

Research findings are cited that explain how reading comprehension is a complex process involving the coordination of multiple factors and provide a basis for instructional methods to improve children's reading comprehension skills. (MLF)

A review of research in reading comprehension is presented. The role of language in comprehension is analyzed and implications are drawn for actual practice by primary teachers in the reading curriculum. (Author/SK)

Discusses several ways teachers can use picture books for teaching prereading and reading skills. Reviews several such books. (FL)

Concludes that preschoolers, unlike older children, view books and reading as masculine objects and activities. (AEA)

Emphasizes that consideration of students' reading attitudes is an essential part of reading assessment. Discusses different ways of conceptualizing reading attitudes that teachers might find helpful and makes suggestions on how teachers can actually measure the attitudes of their students. (AEA)

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…

In the past two decades, sustained silent reading (SSR) has gained attention as a component in many schools' reading programs. Some advocates of SSR differ slightly in their recommendations of specific rules, but most agree on the following guidelines: (1) no interruptions; (2) everyone reads, including the teacher; (3) students choose their own…

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…

Describes a case study that explored the responses of four elementary school students actively involved in a literature-based reading program and how the teacher handled each child. (FL)

This paper provides insight into the history and growth of the National Reading Research Center (NRRC), that was charged to engage in research aimed at improving the reading proficiency of all students and to develop a broad, comprehensive model of reading acquisition that integrates the various cognitive, social, motivational, cultural, and…

In attempting to define what constitutes a good children's book, the author looks at attitudes of those who have set standards in the past, such as Caroline Hewins, a Hartford, Connecticut, librarian of the late nineteenth century. Points that must be considered in evaluating children's books are made. (PP)

Discusses research related to the relationship between interest in reading materials and reading achievement. (FL)

Discusses the tendencies of writers of adolescent literature to seek out the violent and even the sadistic and to present it to less able adolescent readers. Suggests that not having students read may be preferable to having them read adolescent literature with objectionable subject matter that they may misinterpret. (RL)

If the classroom English teacher is to be given any assistance in determining the most appropriate literary experiences for developing students' literature appreciation, it is imperative that research create a clearer understanding of the factors involved in developing discrimination in literature. (RL)