In contrast to the traditional curriculum for young children, a strong movement has recently encouraged children's starting formal, academic learning at an early age. This document describes three visits to preschool classes to illustrate the academic nature of classes today. In the kindergarten class visited, the whole class completed worksheets…

Proposals currently being debated for a reform of the examination system at 18+ in England and Wales, and comments on the proposals, are presented to aid in future planning of language courses in Northern Ireland. The context in which the new proposals arose is briefly examined. The following three standard course proposals are diagrammed for…

This publication responds to a paper by Judith Stecher which strongly urges that a law related/humanities curriculum be included at the elementary school level. Currently most elementary teachers are concentrating their efforts on just two skills--reading and computing. A recent study of elementary schools in the northern counties of California,…

This paper, a response to questions raised on state and local levels on reading in kindergarten, deals with insights required to teach early reading rather than daily reading activities for children. Sections briefly discussed are: A view of reading as a communication process; the importance of teacher sensitivity to individual differences in…

Presents a study of United States History textbooks that identifies possible shortcomings of several readability formulas as tools in determining the appropriateness of reading materials. Suggests additional factors to consider when selecting textbooks and techniques to help students understand reading materials. (AEM)

Argues against ritualized approaches to literature. Endorses four aesthetic teaching stances which vary the conversations that can occur between student and student, student and teacher, and student and literature, and which pursue a "playful" literature curriculum, value the unexpected, and allow conversations where children talk their…

Supports linking reading and writing by teaching at-risk college students a problem-solving approach which provides a thinking skill also applicable to other disciplines. Illustrates how problem-solving strategies can be used to teach reading. (SD)

Evaluates "The Reading Report Card" and application of Reading Proficiency Scale to that report with 1984-85 data on reading ability in adults between ages 21 and 25. Also discusses reading trends in relation to different segments of population and in terms of where decreases and increases in reading ability have occurred between 1974…

Describes the fundamentals of reader response theory, focuses on the aspects most relevant to reading instruction, and presents a method of teaching using reader response as a vehicle for improving student ability to learn from text. (NKA)

Reviews research in the areas of reading standards and tests, reading development, dyslexia and specific reading retardation, and reading materials and interests. (FL)

Uses complaints leveled against English teachers in l912 to support three points about the crisis in literacy: (1) the "writing crisis" is not new, (2) teaching basics will not solve crisis, and (3) solution to problem should be based on what is known about history and theory of composition instruction and about successful and unsuccessful methods…

Argues that microcomputer programs in LOGO can support children's development of invented spelling within a language experience approach. Presents protocols of three nursery school children using such programs that show promising growth in their writing and reading skills. (FL)

Worldwide, the absolute number of illiterate adults continues to grow. The following topics are discussed: those in need of literacy education; pre-literacy programs; the changing role of post-literacy efforts, i.e., efforts to help adults apply literacy skills; strategies for literacy campaigns; and illiteracy in industrialized countries. (RM)

Described are five approaches to teaching reading: Language Experience, Modified Alphabet, Linguistic, Programmed, and Basal. It is suggested that a good teacher, well trained, certified in his or her profession, an active participant in professional organizations, can teach reading successfully using almost any approach. (KC)

Discusses the importance of using developmentally appropriate practices in early childhood classrooms, especially in teaching gifted students. Describes characteristics of young gifted children, emphasizing their advanced abilities in specific domains. Concludes that educators need to understand each child as a unique individual and should strive…