Describes a program in which preservice teachers served as tutors for at-risk first, second, and third graders in a tutorial model incorporating play and phonological awareness activities using puppets and comprehension strategy instruction using manipulatives. Finds that the program improved reading achievement for children at the first grade…

Examines four case study pairings of college student volunteer tutors with fourth-grade at-risk children. Notes that the efforts of these tutors and their students all resulted in significant literacy gains. Describes in detail the social interactions of these dyads and identifies common themes, characteristics, and categories which emerged from…