Outlines a five-day sequence for implementing the language experience approach (LEA) and addresses questions commonly asked by primary grade teachers after they have tried to use LEA to teach reading. (FL)

Notes that the terms "interest" and "preference" are often used interchangeably in reading research. Points out that both the sources and uses of data are clearer when the differences in the two terms are emphasized. (FL)

Reviews research concerned with factors contributing to the reading success and failure of children. (FL)

Explores character identification as a means of increasing motivation for reading. (MKM)

Investigates children's responses to independent reading and their perceptions of the literary quality of series books and recommended literature. Concludes that students like both kinds of books, and that reading series books does not interfere with their appreciation for literature of higher quality. Recommends assisting children to find quality…

Outlines 26 activities to help parents develop informal learning experiences which foster an interest in reading, including bookmaking, grocery shopping, read aloud sessions, and zoo trips. (MM)

This article considers what happened when a teacher posed the following question to her fifth graders during literature discussions: "Why might we read more than one story about a topic or a person?" As the students responded to this question across several weeks, they began to develop a more comprehensive conception of themselves as readers,…

Describes a behavior modification program aimed at encouraging students to increase the frequency of leisure reading done at home. (EL)

Suggest that teachers start the school year,each school day, and each daily reading lesson with reading activities designed to motivate student interest in reading. Offers ideas for use at each of these times. (FL)

Offers suggestions for use by parents and teachers to encourage children to read for pleasure. (FL)

Compares juvenile magazines and basal readers published in the 1960s with those published recently and concludes that the values exhibited in the publications are remarkably similar for the two time periods. Lists the values stressed in the publications. (FL)

Discusses several ways teachers can use picture books for teaching prereading and reading skills. Reviews several such books. (FL)

Shows how interactive read-alouds encourage children to verbally interact with the text, peers, and teachers, providing a means of engaging students as they construct meaning and explore the reading process. Discusses approaches to read-aloud events, conceptual foundations, and planning interactive read-alouds. (SR)

Discusses Readers Theatre, an instructional activity that combines several effective research-based practices, and leads to increased engagement with literacy even in very resistant readers. Considers the theory and research behind Readers Theatre. Describes the process of choosing and writing texts for performance, and preparing for performances.…

Discusses the concept of ownership of literacy and how ownership can be assessed. Suggests that teachers must give high priority to encouraging and assessing their students' ownership of literacy if they want them to be committed to literacy as a lifelong pursuit. (MG)