Uses the examination of materials designed to teach critical reading to review the three criteria discussed in previous Instructional Resources columns: content validity, transfer potential, and amount of reinforcement. (MG)

Reviews 46 children's books which offer an introduction to the world of visual art as well as the verbal art form. (MG)

Describes how basals help translate research into practice (responding to changes in theory), and provide on-the-job training for teachers. Notes that although continued revisions of basal series are necessary, they are useful for teachers who do not have time, energy, or expertise to develop reading materials and activities. (MM)

Presents an annotated bibliography of 44 children's books that draw attention to language sounds and so may be useful in facilitating the acquisition of phonemic awareness. Discusses criteria for selection and how to use the books in class. (SR)

Presents brief annotations of 41 new children's books organized into 6 groups that include travel memoirs, folktales, stories of cultures coming together, biographies of African American women of achievement, and books about unusual and fascinating careers. (SR)

Discusses the need for gifted and talented language arts programs that give examples of developmentally appropriate literature. (MG)

Challenges the pervasive role that fiction has played in read-aloud programs and develops a rationale for including nonfiction. Includes a 20-item annotated bibliography of nonfiction read-alouds. (SR)

Offers brief annotations of 21 picture books that address cultural diversity while offering language that supports beginning readers. Includes a chart noting which language features that support beginning readers are part of each book. (SR)

Offers overviews of 13 recent predictable books for children, noting books that invite drama activities and books that lead to writing activities. Suggests ways to help young children become confidant and joyful readers and writers. (SR)

Students learning English as a new language are the fastest-growing group in U.S. schools today. These students speak many languages, their reading levels cover a wide range, and they experience great cognitive demands as they learn both language and content in order to participate fully in class. Literature can play a critical role in immersing…

Questions the exclusive use of escapist fiction in basic reading for primary school children and stresses the development of critical reading skills through nonfiction reading material. (RW)

Examines six basal series commonly in use in British schools and reveals that they give only brief attention to developing children's awareness of reading and its purpose. Provides a checklist for evaluating materials for their effectiveness in conveying the value of reading. (FL)

Reports the results of a survey revealing that a lack of communication between teachers and administrators may be the primary reason teachers rely on commercially prepared reading materials. (FL)

Suggests that school librarians hold discussions with parent groups about current children's books in order to clarify for them why certain books are available to children and to encourage them to share their children's reading. (FL)

Reports on a survey of inservice teachers who were teaching reading to hearing impaired students. Indicates that most of the teachers had had few courses in teaching reading and relied heavily on basal series in their teaching. (Author/FL)