Argues that various forms of drama such as synchronized movement, pantomime, and improvisation are natural companions to reading instruction. (Author/FL)

Offers views on the reading-spelling relationship by two spelling researchers, Jerry Zutell and J. Richard Gentry. Points out that all research supports some degree of formal word study. (MG)

The importance of digital and media literacies to literacy instruction and learning for today's elementary students is shared in this article. A student's routine literacy activities are documented to provide a view into how digital and media literacies are woven into a fourth-grade classroom. This example brings the use of technology as a tool to…

James Gee has suggested that video games can teach us important lessons about learning and that we can learn about teaching from these games. Reading research and the words of the author's daughter are the basis of an exploration of the learning principles Gee identifies. He explains that video games are successful in engaging children and…

There are a number of principles that teachers of reading and administrators need to keep in mind to ensure that Response to Intervention (RTI) enables struggling literacy learners to achieve success within the provisions of the reauthorized Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEA). The author argues for evidence-based RTI…

The authors address the "whys" and "hows" of encouraging independent reading at home. Practical tips that teachers can give to parents are provided.

Teachers can use comics for reading instruction by capitalizing on their colorful graphic representation. Technology and reading are wed during the use of the Internet, and readers must rely on their visual literacy skills--a group of vision competencies people can hone for comprehension. This article reports on strategies for developing visual…

Comprehension is the reason for reading, and vocabulary plays a significant role in comprehension. The question is, What kind of instruction best promotes the development of comprehension and vocabulary? The National Reading Panel (National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, 2000) concluded that there are eight effective or promising…

Standardized tests are increasingly used to determine students' growth in reading comprehension. In some U.S. school districts, the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 has led to a focus on multiple-choice questions to better prepare students for these types of tests. Even though such questions can provide some important information, they do not…

The purpose of this article is to describe a strategy called the Poetry Academy used to boost reading skills in elementary school students. The Poetry Academy paired struggling readers with a community volunteer to read poetry on a weekly schedule to practice fluency, work on word recognition abilities, and build confidence. A research study took…

Argues that teachers, diagnosticians, and other educators need to reevaluate their thinking about reading. (Author)

Presents a technique for adapting the kinesthetic method for classroom use. (WR)

Discusses teachers' memories of what it was like to teach reading in rural schools in the 1920s. (JM)

Suggests that having children learn Latin and Greek elements in words helps them figure out word meanings. (JM)

Discusses how to help children understand the reading process instead of simply recalling information. Presents two instructional strategies which help children learn metacomprehension. (MM)