In the author's experience, a significant source of reading difficulty for many beginning and struggling readers are misconceptions about print concepts so basic teachers assume their students are aware of them. Many children fail to grasp implicit principles of print such as the following: the reader cannot make up the words, the order of letters…

Presents an interview with Nell K. Duke, an assistant professor of teacher education and learning, technology, and culture at Michigan State University. Notes that she was a principal investigator with the Center for the Improvement of Early Reading Achievement (CIERA). Recommends strategies when engaging students with informational texts. (SG)

Describes transactional strategies instruction (an approach to reading instruction that focuses on teaching students a repertoire of reading strategies), its impact on students, and its challenges. (SR)

Examines the relationship between reading and drama in learning. Argues that, through the study of their interaction and an examination of parallel processes at work, the potential of drama as a learning tool about reading is revealed. Explores their symbiotic relationship in a drama session which highlights some cognitive and affective…

Presents a current analysis of vowel regularity done with slightly different parameters. Compares the findings of this analysis to Clymer's classic 1963 study and other studies in order to demonstrate some of the issues that affect interpretation of this kind of analysis. Gives some specific suggestions about the teaching of vowels. (SG)

Semantic mapping is effective with expository prose but not as effective with narrative prose. To achieve a better understanding of narrative prose, yet still keep the benefits of semantic mapping, the traditional approach can be modified into a technique called "episodic mapping." Episodic mapping is based on the idea that most stories…

Presents a WebQuest for the novel "Because of Winn-Dixie," which provides readers tasks to help them understand and better enjoy the story. Explains that some of the tasks should be done before reading the book, some should be completed while reading the book, and some should be done after finishing the book. Includes a "Just for Fun" section with…

Reviews the full set of criteria to measure instructional resources. Reviews six new resources on comprehension materials that are appropriate for classroom use. (MG)

Presents an approach for teaching children strategies for reading comprehension called the "comprehension strategy framework." Offers a description for the rationale of elements of the framework (including an example of a second-grade lesson); shows how the framework fits into current literacy trend in strategy teaching; and describes…

Conversations with 60 9-year olds in England and Ireland showed that most were aware of language and concepts associated with becoming better readers and knew strategies for dealing with reading challenges. There was considerable variation in metacognitive awareness; those rated by teachers as average or above average had better reading…

Suggests that to develop fluency, educators need teacher-directed lessons in which children spend the maximum amount of time engaged in reading connected text. Presents the National Reading Panel's (2000) examination of research on guided oral reading in order to explore what works. Discusses research on effectiveness of reading practices and…

Based on the idea that word identification is a group of strategies that children develop as they learn to read, not a single letter-sound by letter-sound pathway to pronunciation, this book invites teachers to support readers as they develop and use many different world identification strategies. Chapters in the book are: (1) Using the Alphabetic…

Notes that inference is the strategic process of generating assumptions, making predictions, and coming to conclusions based upon given information in text and in illustrations. Discusses the use of causal and relational inferences. Presents strategies that help emergent readers focus their attention on important information that is explicitly…

Reading style considers how students' learning ability is affected by the reading environment and readers' emotional states, sociological preferences, physical needs, and information-processing style. Teachers can accommodate different styles by providing soft-cushioned seating, dimly lit reading areas, learning centers, varied reading materials,…

Considers how struggling readers may pronounce each syllable more or less correctly when reading a longer word, but without the proper alternating emphasis and de-emphasis characteristic of natural, recognizable speech. Uses a three-part rhyme to determine the relationship between suffixes and stress. Presents some suggestions for helping students…