Comprehending expository reading material is a challenge for many students. Research has shown that students' expository reading comprehension can improve with the help of text structure instruction. The purpose of this article is to present teachers with a framework for effectively implementing text structure instruction in their classrooms.…

Discusses a commercially produced program for increasing reading comprehension. (FL)

Reviews a number of beginning reading materials that can be used in improving children's reading skills in a variety of content areas. (FL)

Defines horizontal reading as providing children with more reading experiences and practice at the level they have just completed rather than moving them immediately to the next level. Describes two commercially prepared programs that make horizontal reading easier to implement and more closely correlated with the lead basal instruction. (FL)

Provides three interdependent principles which invite parents to take an active role in assessing their child's individual literacy growth. Shares six ideas for teachers who want parents to become active partners in the assessment process. (MG)

Describes and evaluates a remedial reading strategy--assisted reading--which uses a motivating series of popular children's books to improve the performance of remedial readers. (MM)

Argues that music is a powerful way to motivate students to read. Discusses reading picture books made from songs or written by musicians; using music to set the mood; combining poetry with music; and using instruments or sound effects. Lists picture books made from songs or written by musicians, books for mood music, and books with musical…

Describes a study in which poor readers gained more on a standardized reading test when they read books rather than comics, while good readers made similar gains using either comics or books. With comics, poor readers apparently spent more time looking at pictures and less time reading. (MKM)

Presents 13 common problems in reading instruction followed by suggested adaptations in materials, instruction, and assignments designed to address those problems. (FL)

Studies one struggling reader and her self-directed pathways to progress as she consistently chose old basal-sounding, beginner-oriented materials over newer, aesthetically constructed literature. Investigates differences between beginner-oriented texts and aesthetically constructed literature. Concludes some struggling readers need repetitious…

Suggests that teachers should provide text that supports students' changing interactions with text as they move from learning about print and how it works, to the labors of learning to decode, and on to growing independence and fluency. Highlights effective uses of simple predictable text, transitional text, decodable text, easy readers, and…

Outlines one struggling second-grade reader's abilities and reading strategies, and initial instructional efforts with her. Discusses how the author determined a mismatch existed between her teaching, the teaching materials, and the child. Shows how a change of materials--to the use of decodable text accompanied by reflective, systematic,…