The constructive feedback on the author's article has helped him to expand his knowledge on the topic. He would like to clarify here that the purpose of the study was to investigate the effects of extensive reading on the development of Japanese high school learners' linguistic knowledge and reading abilities. The findings revealed that the…

Aka (2019) conducted an year-long large-scale study demonstrating that Japanese high school students who undertook extensive reading performed better than a control group who undertook grammatical instruction. Those showing the greatest gains were those of lower and intermediate proficiency. The students' achievement was measured in terms of…

Nobuko Sakurai (2015) presents insightful research results that help educators better understand the impact of translation as it limits reading quantity, reading comprehension, and reading rate in an extensive reading (ER) program. Overall, the results of the study encourage educators to restrict translation as a means of obtaining better results…

Teachers know that establishing a robust independent reading program takes more than giving kids a little quiet time after lunch. But how do they set up a program that will maximize their students' gains? Teachers have to know their students' reading levels inside and out, help them find just-right books, and continue to guide them during…

Most of today's reading programs rest on faulty ideas about reading comprehension. The author argues that comprehension is not a general skill; it relies on having relevant vocabulary and knowledge. He explains the need for a fact-filled, knowledge-building curriculum. He suggests that states should adopt a common core curriculum that builds…

Argues that computers can be used in schools or reading clinics to maintain skill banks for organizing information about materials, tests, and prescriptive recommendations. (FL)

The transference of oral language aptitudes to reading is discussed from a theoretical point of view and some practical suggestions for learning exercises are offered. (JMF)

States that beginning reading instruction must not be perceived as an either/or phenomenon, as either strong adherence to the code devoid of meaning, or the reverse. Teachers should teach the code and meaning at the same time. (MKM)

Notes that California undertook a new commitment to improve the basic reading skills of its elementary students; lists several components of this commitment, the "California Reading Initiative." Describes the state's definition of a balanced and comprehensive approach to reading. Argues that independent reading is a crucial component and…

Reaffirming that all students, regardless of home language or socioeconomic background, can and must have an equal opportunity to excel in reading, this booklet presents 10 recommendations that form the basis of a comprehensive and balanced reading program to help children in California learn to read. Recommendations in the booklet address: (1)…

Phonics teaches learners how to match the letters of the alphabet to the speech sounds they already know. At age five, children who are ready to learn to read have a vocabulary of some 5,000 words and understand far more than that when they hear them. The problem is that there are 44 sounds in English and only 26 letters in the alphabet. Phonics…

Maintains that there is a discrepancy between the ways children acquire language and the ways they have been taught reading skills in school, referred to as "The 180 degrees Syndrome." Attempts to promote more language-conscious reading instruction by describing five examples of the syndrome and suggests remedies to alleviate its symptoms.

Using educational technology in reading instruction is one approach, among others, to assist students to increase reading skills. However, there are several reasons why technology is not increasingly used in the school setting, including lack of administrative support; failure to allocate a technology coordinator to help train teachers and…

The literature and research on reading and the gifted student at the preschool, elementary, and secondary levels are reviewed, and suggestions for the classroom are offered. Approaches to instruction for the gifted might include critical and creative reading, grouping gifted readers together, and inquiry reading. (SEW)

Discusses problems of teaching reading skills in English schools when budget cuts reduce the number of available textbooks. Non-print, technologically advanced, instructional media also compete for what funds there are. The impact of economic and technological trends on future teacher education and the development of reading programs are examined.…