Describes the elements and application of a teacher-made performance-based assessment tool for teachers of beginning readers or nonreaders. A sample performance assessment checklist is included. (HTH)

Contends a good personalized literature-based reading program begins with a readiness approach not governed or directed by a rigid set of prescribed activities in reading readiness books. Discusses the importance of: an invigorating classroom environment; materials that have significance; a rich experiential atmosphere; an abundance of quality…

Four computer-animated tasks were created to analyze the underlying structure of emerging phonological awareness at 3.5 years of age and to explore factors that influence children's (n=91) performance. The children were able to master tasks demanding identification, blending, and continuation of phonological units. Analysis supported two major…

Investigates the development of word consciousness prior to first grade and the relationship between word consciousness and reading ability. Finds that word consciousness develops through gradual extension and refinement of concepts about and awareness of print, and that a strong relationship exists between word consciousness and beginning reading…

This study investigated the development of alphabet knowledge among 91 nonreading children followed from the beginning of kindergarten through the middle of first grade. Findings suggested that alphabet knowledge consists of both letter-name and letter-sound knowledge, which have different developmental patterns and which have unique importance…

Examines three children's early experiences of school literacy lessons to consider what makes a difference in their relative success and failure during the first months of school. Argues that how, whether, and to what extent children take up what teachers make available to them is inextricably connected with the repertoires of practices and…

The 180 reading tips described in this school calendar are intended for parents to help their children at home. The calendar presents tips for Monday through Friday and for September through May. Among the suggested exercises are the following: (1) sing the ABC song, (2) write five words that begin with B, (3) play a game of Hangman, (4) discuss…

In order to equalize educational opportunities, individualized instruction in the beginning reading program is suggested. Children should have equal opportunity but not identical instruction. Reading readiness, as determined by reading skills, and reading interest should determine when instruction begins, whether it is kindergarten or the third…

Progress in a primary-grade reading program was determined for 106 first-born, second-grade students at the end of the school year. Previous data available for this sample included Thomas-Chase-Birch temperament ratings, family intactness and socioeconomic status at age four, and Metropolitan Readiness Test scores at age six. The value of these…

Children are ready to learn to read when they are young and enjoy learning to read when they understand each step in the reading process, so that their cognitive growth is significatnly stimulated. This book presents the structural approach to teaching both reading readiness skills and reading and points out that teachers and parents must…

FOUR NULL HYPOTHESES WERE TESTED TO EVALUATE SELECTED READING READINESS TESTS AS PREDICTORS OF FIRST-GRADE READING ACHIEVEMENT. FIVE SCHOOLS IN THE BANGOR, MAINE, CITY SCHOOL SYSTEM WERE RANDOMLY CHOSEN. IN EACH SCHOOL, ONE CLASS USED THE EXPERIMENTAL PROGRAM WHICH EMPHASIZED SUPPLEMENTARY VOCABULARY INSTRUCTION WITH READINESS TRAINING. ANOTHER…

THE FINAL REPORT FOR THE COORDINATED FIRST-GRADE STUDIES FROM THE OFFICE OF EDUCATION IS PRESENTED. THE STUDIES INVESTIGATED THE FOLLOWING--(1) TO WHAT EXTENT PUPIL, TEACHER, CLASS, SCHOOL, AND COMMUNITY CHARACTERISTICS ARE RELATED TO FIRST-GRADE READING AND SPELLING ACHIEVEMENT, (2) WHICH APPROACH TO INITIAL READING INSTRUCTION PRODUCES SUPERIOR…

As part of a series of publications reporting the promising practices gleaned from pre-elementary Right to Read programs, this manual is designed to provide pertinent information regarding young children and reading. It covers such topics as the skills necessary for reading acquisition, how children acquire these skills, and the importance of…