The transfer phenomena observed in adults do not universally generalize to the pre-reader and training in phonic blending is necessary in order for phonic-letter training to yield positive transfer to a word-reading task. (RB)

Two experiments suggest that a sharp increase in reading automaticity occurs during the first grade, but that by the end of the year the development of automaticity begins to level off. (HOD)

Suggests the extent and manner in which the word characteristics of materials may be separated from and contribute to the strategies children develop for word identification. (RB)

Reports a study testing the effect of minimal contrast among word forms commonly found in beginning reading instruction. (TO)

Investigates the influence that instruction and the developmental stage of learning to read have on the reading concepts of first graders from skill-based and literature-based classrooms. Finds both groups exhibited high interest in learning and knowing words but that the literature group differed in their heightened metacognitive understandings,…

Examines 35 low-SES, urban children's ways of interpreting traditional skills-based literacy instruction in kindergarten and first grade. Reveals four patterns of success/nonsuccess in literacy development within the classroom context. (MG)

Investigates the effect of phonemic awareness training on the phonemic awareness and reading ability of low- and middle-achieving first graders. Finds that training which provided subjects with a conceptual connection between phonemic skills and reading was generally ineffective for low readers. Suggests that phonemic awareness training for low-…