The purpose of this study was to evaluate three kindergarten programs, each emphasizing phoneme-grapheme relationships. Thirteen classes consisting of more than 300 kindergarten children from two sourthern Maine communities were involved in the study. The population was divided into three treatment groups. Group one received basic reading…

This study was designed to determine the relationship of selected readiness variables to achievement in reading at the second grade level. The readiness variables were environment, mathematics, letters and sounds, aural comprehension, visual perception, auditory perception, vocabulary and concepts, word meaning, listening, matching, alphabet,…

Suggestions for various activities, games, and materials for teaching phonics are presented in this handbook for teachers and teachers in training. The chapters and materials covered include: (1) "Why Phonics," which presents the rationale for teaching phonics; (2) "A Suggested Order for Teaching Phonics," which discusses the order of difficulty…

The effectiveness of prephonic training between kindergarten and first grade levels as a tool for acquiring reading skills was explored throughout the public school system in the city of New Bedford, Massachusetts. A sample population of 260 kindergartners was identified as having potential learning difficulties by the results shown on the…

This study investigated possible differences in reading achievement of first graders when grouped by sex. The study also explored whether these groups' attitudes toward school, learning, and new experiences varied and, if so, how this affected reading achievement. Children were placed in five classrooms: one class of boys, one of girls, and three…

This joint statement expresses concerns about present practices in pre-first grade reading instruction and makes recommendations for improvement. The statement was prepared by seven organizations concerned with preschool education and/or reading instruction. (BD)

Recent research on reading reveals many methods work for teaching reading. There are three individual reading styles: (1) those who need phonics, (2) those who can learn it but don't need it, and (3) those unable to learn phonics. The level of reading achievement depends on how well instructional program accommodates to an individual's reading…

Investigates the effect of corrective feedback on the capacity of preliterate children to learn explicit phonetic segmentation. (HOD)

Relates the belief that "shared reading" using big books will provide children with a meaningful introductin to reading. (DF)

Psycholinguists feel that the reading process and reading instruction should be reviewed in light of language and learning theories. (JH)

Numerous studies have linked reading aloud to preschoolers and these children's later success as readers. But some of the parents with whom teachers work, whether they work at Head Start, childcare centers, or primary grades, have limited reading skills. However, the Hispanic, Native American, African American, Irish American, and many other…

Describes a project in which student teachers at the University of North Carolina at Wilmington are being prepared to teach beginning reading using the language-experience approach. (CS)

Cites articles and research suggesting that the ability to learn to read is inherent within any normal child and recommends that teachers use strategies and materials relevant to the child rather than a prestructured reading program. (MM)

Examined the practice of emergent reading, in which preschool children practice readinglike behaviors by retelling a story that has been read to them based on the pictures and text in a book. Found that eight preschoolers in a Head Start program could successfully "read" key points in an illustrated storybook. Contains suggestions to…