Reprints a classic article published in this journal in 1970. Considers the interplay between interest, motivation, and self direction on the one hand, and the reading levels concept on the other hand. Warns that the concept of reading levels is often focused on errors, and that this tends to distort perceptions with regard to the primary goal of…

Suggests that the sense of ownership that children have over comic books accounts for the vibrant debate, discussion, and critique of them. Examines whether insights from Archie comics may help teachers reclaim literacy as a meaning-making practice. Concludes that teachers remain ambivalent about the place of comic books within educational…

Describes how "speedwriting" requires that all learners become actively engaged in their own learning because, rather than generating ideas orally, students are instructed to write down all their ideas as quickly as they can. Considers how the social engagement of discussion and the sharing of ideas during the writing phase drew even the…

Describes a novel type of interactive writing called "interest journals" that motivates students and promotes persuasive writing. Discusses getting started, and the benefits of interest journals. (SR)

Describes the Motivation to Read Profile (MRP), which assesses children's self-concepts as readers and the value they see in reading. Discusses its development and offers suggestions for its use with elementary students. Includes the MRP. (SR)

Looks at the spectrum of motivations children bring into the classroom and discusses how these motivations connect to instruction. Shows that intrinsic motivations sustain long-term literacy learning; extrinsic motivation controls behavior temporarily; intrinsic motivations are needed in integrated instruction; and extrinsic motivations are needed…

Provides seven guidelines that can help teachers clear the obstacles which often keep classroom reading incentive programs from helping those students who need them most--the poor readers. (ARH)

Argues that humorous books have the potential to brighten the classroom environment, motivate students, and develop reactive, thinking readers. (FL)

Lists benefits of children's magazines as educational resources, discusses their educational implications, and offers specific activities involving the use of such periodicals. Provides a list of children's magazines available around the world. (FL)

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)

Points out the need for humor and a relaxed atmosphere in the classroom and makes specific suggestions about how to achieve it. Bibliography. (RW)

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

A college professor gained new perspectives on teaching reading during a sabbatical spent teaching children in the Anglo-American School in Moscow. (MKM)

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

Explains how a hermit crab, the classroom pet for a class of learning disabled elementary level students, stimulated various writing-related activities, including categorizing, information gathering, and poetry writing. (MM)