Discusses the hyperbole surrounding statements and testimonials about the effectiveness of phonics instruction. Suggests that reading is more than sounding out words one at a time and that most children figure it out for themselves with little or no help. Suggests that reading is also more than a psycholinguistic guessing game. (RS)

Muses over and responds to several "letters" regarding top 10 lists for reading teachers, political correctness, best sellers, and Howard Gardner on drill and discipline. (SR)

Comments on the value of literature in a literature-based Chapter 1 classroom, and suggests types of literature that have been successful in this type of reading program. Reviews 26 trade books which would be useful in Chapter 1 literature-based instruction. (MG)

Argues that students need to achieve meaning from content area reading. Claims that comprehension of reading materials must be in evidence. Discusses various procedures designed to assist students achieve meaningful reading experiences. (HB)

Presents a short biography of the life, work, and teachings of Charlotte Huck. Discusses her time at Ohio State, her contributions to published children's literature, her contributions to reading instruction, and her many honors and awards. Talks about her concern and active involvement in writing for public policy relating to education. (SC)

Examines the slogan "explicit and systematic teaching of reading" by discussing a framework of four dimensions of learning and teaching: (1) explicit-implicit; (2) systematic-unsystematic; (3) mindful-mindless; and (4) contextualized-decontextualized. Concludes that an optimum mix of all four dimensions is needed. (SR)

Presents a highly philosophical view of silence from the literal sense extending to the idea of silencing voices. Considers reflection, meditation, and contemplation in regards to reading and writing. Discusses reflection and literacy, and reflection and learning. States that literacy is an interlace pattern of reflection in silence and activity…

Describes how the book "Mosaic of Thought: Teaching Comprehension in a Reader's Workshop" by Ellin Oliver Keene and Susan Zimmerman requires teachers to examine their reading strategies. Examines essential strategies for students to become engaged and independent readers. Considers strategies such as: metacognition; activating prior knowledge;…

Discusses the short introductions by literary scholars that more often than not precede Shakespeare's plays. Considers the importance and lack of importance that readers put on these introductions. Describes the use and creation, over time, of these introductions to many different plays by Shakespeare. (SG)

Authors take issue with an article by Elaine Garan, "Beyond the Smoke and Mirrors: A Critique of the National Reading Panel Report on Phonics," that appeared in the March 2001 issue of "Phi Delta Kappan" wherein she criticized the report's findings on the effectiveness of phonics instruction in helping children to read. (PKP)

Author makes a point-by-point rebuttal to Ehri and Stahl's criticism of her critical analysis of the National Reading Panel report on the effectiveness of phonics instruction in helping children to read. (PKP)

In this article, the author shares the lessons she learned from the theories and practices of Louise Rosenblatt with respect to teaching reading to young people. According to Rosenblatt, "Every reading act is an event, or a transaction involving a particular reader and a particular pattern of signs, a text, and occurring at a particular time in a…

In this article, the author offers suggestions on what teachers can do to build and protect their students' confidence in their reading abilities. These suggestions include: (1) Create accepting classroom environments; (2) Use authentic assessments; (3) Choose interesting, appropriate texts; and (4) Use supportive reading strategies.

Teachers sometimes try every intervention strategy they can think of to help struggling readers. However, some teachers still feel that they are not getting through. This article presents the reading strategies offered by two literacy researchers Michael Pressley and Nell K. Duke, of Michigan State University.

Purpose: This commentary responds to Justice's article on response to intervention (RTI) and evidence-based practice (EBP) for reading instruction. The educational changes brought about by RTI and EBP provide an opportunity as well as a challenge for speech-language pathologists (SLPs) to make fundamental changes in service delivery. Method: In…