This report describes a program for increasing phonemic awareness in the primary grades. The targeted population consisted of first and second grade students from middle class communities located in the Midwest. Research indicated that students who enter primary grades without phonemic awareness might have reading difficulties. Lack of phonemic…

This book discusses the background and origins of reading problems, including poor reading instruction and frustrations of different instructional methods. The book presents a complete method for teaching basic skills needed in reading. Part 1 (What Every Parent Should Know about Learning To Read) contains the chapters: "Does My Child Have a…

Discusses the use of a simplified diacritical marking system as a device for the teaching of reading to pre-school children. (TO)

Describes encoding and decoding processes as related to the true code of sounds and sound groupings in words. (MD)

Skill in word analysis and synthesis (WASS) and the reading approach of phonics versus whole word instruction were the test variables of achievement related to prereaders' emotions in dimensions of hyperactive/distractible, hostile/aggressive, and anxious/fearful. The two instructional approaches in reading lessons were differentially effective…

Discusses experiments that provide information about the reading processes involved in mapping phonemes onto alphabetic symbols; suggests several techniques for helping children both to differentiate among the short vowel sounds and to associate sound and symbol. Focuses on the needs of beginning readers who are experiencing reading difficulties.…

Discusses whether or not beginning readers learn phonics best through instructional approaches that teach students to sound out letters, spell words, or combine the two. Concludes that caution is in order as experimental research assessing the effectiveness of each approach has yet to be conducted. Suggests, in the interim, instruction should be…

Describes a modified alphabet for beginning readers based on psychologies of reading and visual perception. The Graphophonic Alphabet (GP) is explained, motivations for modifying the alphabet are discussed, and possibilities for teaching phonics and second languages as well as reading with the GP and microcomputers are considered. (16 references)…

Outlines a strategy for resolving disputes between the whole language and phonics camps in reading instruction. Reviews research on the role of context in word recognition, the process of reading acquisition, and analytic versus holistic approaches to reading acquisition. Suggests that the way is clear for whole language advocates to reconstitute…

An analogy is drawn between understanding Shakespeare's work and the debate about teaching beginning reading. The apparent ease of reading is seen to mask its very real complexity. The importance of the early reading environment for readiness and the necessity of teaching sounds and then words is stressed. Tips for teaching phonological awareness…

The article describes how to teach skills strategically in whole-language classrooms. It discusses differences between skills and strategies and notes how to move from skill to strategy. A section on teaching phonics examines phonics charts and personal phonics booklets; suggests an order for teaching phonics. (SM)

Considers patterns of possible relationships between phonological recoding skill and three conceptually distinct aspects of reading. Finds that systematic instruction is more effective than incidental instruction; inclusion of direct instruction in phonological recoding skill yields better results than relying primarily on writing activities; and…