Discusses reading instruction methods observed in Japanese classrooms. (MKM)

Argues that while story grammar is useful in teaching students to analyze stories, teachers must be aware that a story grammar approach appropriate for stories written in the Western tradition may not match stories written in the traditions of other cultures. Uses Japanese folktales to illustrate the point. (FL)

Five contributors discuss the following topics: bringing comics to life through readers theatre, peer tutoring to improve word attack and comprehension skills, using storytelling to increase reading comprehension skills on Okinawa, beginning reading in Italy, and using remedial reading students as tutors for younger students. (FL)

Providing students with the opportunity to study different cultures increases their global understanding and helps foster tolerance of cultural differences. In this lesson, grade 3-5 students read folk tales from Japan, Wales, and Africa and depict the stories visually for purposes of retelling. Students also research the countries and share a…

Presents description of classroom interaction that typically takes place in Japanese first-language arts classes in elementary schools throughout Japan. Using excerpts from data describing storytelling reading classes observed, shows that customary interaction was not necessarily text-based, had relatively weak teacher control, and revealed a…

Recent calls for educational reform have focused on secondary schools, but results emerging from a cross-national study suggest that the reasons for American students' achievement problems lie not only in American schools but also in American homes. In the study, American, Taiwanese, and Japanese first and fifth graders were tested in reading and…