Argues that struggling readers' pessimism about their own ability to learn to read can become the most powerful obstacle teachers face in helping those students become better readers. Presents 22 practical suggestions to help teachers craft an informed, persistent, systematic, emotionally supportive effort providing students with a wealth of…

Describes how sports literature provides an effective means for combating negative attitudes toward reading. Discusses the use of current sports news, relevant stories, poetry, and videotaped programs as texts. Notes that sports writing and fiction provide excellent opportunities for bibliotherapy, as students reevaluate their attitudes and…

Argues for the fundamental importance of fostering a lifetime reading habit in middle school students. Discusses various ways to provide opportunities to read in middle school; describes teacher demonstrations of effective reading/thinking behaviors; discusses reading aloud; and notes the importance of literacy educators advocating this kind of…