To provide information concerning television and its impact on reading, a study was conducted to determine if the programing on a commercial television network would reveal a low number of positive references to reading. Programing was observed from 3:00 p. m. until 9:00 p. m. daily and from 9:00 A. M. to noon on Saturdays for a period of three…

Eighty-one fifth grade students from a suburban parochial school were randomly assigned to one of two treatment groups in a study designed to determine the effect of daily sustained silent reading (SSR) on student reading habits and attitudes toward reading. One teacher supervised 40 students in daily fifteen-minute periods of SSR, using…

Reveals (1) some sex differences in children's reading preferences, but indicates some overlap; (2) that minority and nonminority children differed to some extent in their preferences, but had more similarities than differences; and (3) that children's reading interests have changed little in two decades. (FL)

This brochure is intended to help parents support their children in reading comprehension and fluency. The brochure is divided into seven main sections. The first section addresses preparation that good readers engage in before reading the materials, including: (1) previewing the text; (2) thinking about the topic; (3) setting a purpose for…

This report describes a program for advancing at-risk students' reading comprehension, which was adversely affecting their academic progress. The targeted population consisted of elementary students in a middle class community located near a large midwestern city. The problem with reading comprehension was documented through teaching referrals,…

Represents a collection of normative data for the survey of reading attitudes using a sample of (N=90) inner city remedial readers. Reliability estimates for Expressed Reading Difficulty and Reading as Enjoyment justify their use in making inferences about students. Lowest reliability was for Alternative Learning Modes. (JAC)

Deplores the preoccupation with isolated skill teaching among reading teachers. Calls for reading competencies to be taught in the context of reading that has meaning, interest, and significance for the reader, and stresses the importance of instruction in the thinking strategies that contribute to mature reading. (ET)

Describes New York City teachers' emphasis on independent reading, with the rest of their reading curriculum growing out of needs identified during that time. They begin with mini-lessons, then create social supports for reading, make independent reading central and collaborative, reinforce what works, make time for solitary reading, and learn…

Argues that three specific areas of influence contribute to shaping the attitudes and expectations of adolescent reading in Britain: family; friendship groups; and school peer groups. Responses from 255 children reveal marked patterns of gender difference in the reading experience and identify the school curriculum's role in promoting particular…

Offers ways for early childhood and elementary teachers to explore a family's use of and priorities for literacy. Includes ethnographic vignettes emphasizing strategies for viewing families neutrally and avoiding assumptions and judgment. Asserts that to understand the family's literacy experiences and priorities will more closely connect…

Compares reading interests of 8- to 11-year-old children from the United States and England. Finds that (1) American children showed greater interest than English children in science, poetry, and biographies; (2) categories of jokes, mystery, crafts, and adventure were popular in both countries; and (3) expected sex differences between reading…

Describes and evaluates a program based on Paired Reading. Reports that the program increased parents' involvement, while boosting childrens' reading ability and attitude toward reading. (NH)

Reports on a study of preferred reading instruction approaches among 121 British reading teachers. Finds that most do not use a single approach, but a blend of approaches determined by individual differences. Maintains that most perceive their role as encouraging students to enjoy reading. (CFR)

Documents the perceptions of literacy acquisition held by parents from three different cultural groups (Chinese Canadian, Euro-Canadian, and Indo-Canadian). Suggests that cultural membership is a crucial variable to examine, and that communicating dimensions of literacy programs to parents may be very difficult given the ways in which cultural…

Offers specific suggestions to teachers of elementary and middle school English-as-a-Second-Language students for helping their students develop a positive attitude toward reading. Teachers can help students become readers by developing their sense of control and competence in tasks, materials, and the environment. (Author/VWL)