In an effort to learn more about the teaching of reading and interpretation of poetry, a structured experiment was devised whereby college English majors used a combination of reading, writing and discussion to study James Wright's poem "A Blessing." The primary aim was to involve the students emotionally in a poem. Students were…

Discusses the need for assessing and remediating three strategic-text behaviors: (1) recognition of text organizational patterns, (2) use of text lookbacks, and (3) the location of important text information. Develops a diagnostic rational using current research findings, and presents assessment procedures and instructional strategies based on a…

Discusses whether it matters if the print of materials that young children read differs from the style of print that they write. States the desirability of providing children with reading experiences that expose them to a variety of typefaces. (EL)

Discusses the emerging assumptions of literature and its teaching that knowledge is made and must be remade by each person. Considers the relationships between the reader and the text, the reader and the reader, and the relationship between texts. (EL)

Describes in detail a procedure that teaches childen to integrate two word identification strategies--use of contexts and phonics. Reports on a study showing the effectiveness of the strategy. (FL)

This paper reviews nine principles regarding the reading process, and six scaffolds for teaching students to read, and then suggests a specific developmental reading program for a learning center built upon this knowledge. It is generally accepted that four factors interact to form the reading/learning process: (1) Material; (2) Self; (3)…

This paper discusses and demonstrates how to use children's interests combined with children's literature to make learning easier. According to the paper, the concept is to choose an area that excites children, one where they already have a developed schemata or knowledge base, then to use children's trade books about that topic to teach the…

Generally speaking, reading is not taught beyond the third grade in most school systems. If a student has not mastered reading comprehension skills by the fourth grade, chances are that she/he will struggle with learning in grades four through twelve. Many middle school and high school students lack the ability to use communication skills…

Examines the reading and writing strategies of one student over a three-year period and traces the process she went through to acquire college-level academic literacy in English, her second language. Suggests that the student's educational background shaped her approach to United States academic discourse practices. (TB)

Many South African students who enroll in higher education are underprepared and have low reading ability. Outlines the reading strategic component of an English for professional purposes course offered for such students in a technology-enhanced environment. Results indicate that students who received strategic reading instruction received higher…

Describes children's books available on CD-ROM that can be read using Apple Macintosh computers. Literacy problems with adults and children are discussed, the use of Discis books to encourage reading and improve understanding is described, first- and second-language learning is discussed, and a list of currently available titles is provided. (LRW)

Presents the author's perspective on why children deserve the opportunity to learn to read using high quality literature as opposed to basal readers. Examines (1) examples of good books; (2) ways to find the books; (3) benefits of reading aloud; (4) and advantages of literature-based programs. (MG)

One element in debates over core college curricula, balancing breadth and depth of reading, is addressed from the point of view of Paulo Freire and his theory of critical literacy. Three levels at which a college course based on Freirean principles might be developed are outlined. At each level, the aim is to enhance breadth of perspective through…

Describes the reading styles of a group of first graders. Explains how mumbling reading gradually develops into silent reading. Provides an overview of the Project on Mumbling Reading and evaluates its effectiveness. Claims that more information is still needed for the development of silent reading and provides strategies to encourage the use of…

It is important for parents to teach their children to associate learning with sweetness, enjoyment, and pleasure. Suggestions to help parents make reading to their children a special time are: (1) make reading a "snuggle time"; (2) visit the library once a week; (3) develop a regular reading time with children; (4) select appropriate…