Presents results of two experiments which measured difficulty of learning vowel and consonant sounds and revealed significantly more correct responses for consonant sounds than for vowel sounds. (JM)

A group of 30 nonreading kindergarten children who received 7 weeks of instruction in phoneme segmentation and letter names/sounds were assessed on segmentation and reading measures. They outperformed a language activities group, which received instruction in letter names/sounds and additional language activities, and a group receiving no…

Describes two strategies (Yes/No...Why? and It Reminds Me Of...) that provide young or poor readers with the prerequisite background knowledge for interpreting a passage. States that these strategies can be used with all types of reading materials and can also be used with nonreaders. (MG)

Discusses functional literacy activities (reading and writing activities used to achieve some real-life goal) and their usefulness in providing motivation as well as practice opportunities for young children. Notes four such activities: name cards, signs and labels, daily schedule, and references. (SR)

Noting that in the beginning stages of reading it is helpful for children to be surrounded by the written word and to be read to by adults, this article offers brief encapsulations of and responses to five articles about beginning reading and reading readiness. The five articles are as follows: (1) "Three-Year-Olds in Their Reading Corner" by…

THE SECOND PROGRESS REPORT OF A PROJECT UTILIZING A COMPLEX TEACHING MACHINE, THE EDISON RESPONSIVE ENVIRONMENT INSTRUMENT, TO STUDY THE ACQUISITION OF BEGINNING READING SKILLS BY 5-YEAR-OLDS FROM DISADVANTAGED BACKGROUNDS IS PRESENTED. THE FIRST REPORT DESCRIBED THE EDISON RESPONSIVE ENVIRONMENT INSTRUMENT AND DISCUSSED THE PROGRAMING DEVELOPED…

Research conducted over the past 80 years is examined to answer three questions on sensory modality as it relates to reading. In the 18 studies reviewed which relate to the superiority of one modality over another, there was no consensus regarding the relative effectiveness of modalities among adults. The evidence leans toward greater…

This packet of reading problem exercises is designed to be used by either the tutor or the classroom teacher for the purpose of informally assessing reading proficiency in children. There are two sets of cards in this packet. Each reading skill identified has two items--one appearing in each set of cards. The reading problem-solving exercises have…

Suggests that Piaget's theoretical perspective on children's developmental stages may provide insight into ways to help children who are not succeeding in formal reading instruction. (TJ)

Ability to read depends less upon learning isolated, sequential skills than upon the natural desire to communicate beyond the oral level and the opportunities offered by society and environment to develop this ability. (JD)

First-graders (identified as high-risk for reading difficulties) were taught to read examples of "environmental print" (words on candy wrappers, grocery bags, newspaper advertisements) and were able to identify and write words when logos and supporting detail were removed, indicating that activities using environmental print can…

Children probably begin to read from the moment they become aware of print, and the roots of reading are discernable whenever children strive to make sense of print. (JH)

Based directly on the findings from the National Research Council's report "Preventing Reading Difficulties in Young Children," this guide offers a "checklist" that will help teachers and principals recognize at a glance the key characteristics of quality reading programs identified in the research. The guide does not describe any single way to…

Based directly on the reports of the National Reading Panel ("Teaching Children To Read") and the National Research Council ("Preventing Reading Difficulties in Young Children"), this guide is designed to be an accessible and practical document that delivers research findings about effective reading instruction that may serve as guidelines for…