Scores of 149 third-, fourth-, and fifth-grade pupils, on a reading attitude inventory correlated .17 with combined reading scores on the Metropolitan Achievement Tests. Although statistically significant, this finding suggests that the inventory did not reflect an attitudinal construct that was a major factor in reading success. (Author/BW)

Investigates how multiple stances in reading can reveal new insights into texts. Demonstrates three ways that a single text can be read from the perspectives of a pleasurable reading, a postcolonial reading, and a critical multicultural reading. Argues that readers will confirm existing meanings determined by others' ideologies unless they are…

Reports on a study that investigated the longitudinal effects of television viewing on the frequency with which children read books and comic books at home; and the causal mechanisms that underlie television's effects on leisure-time reading. Suggests that television viewing reduced attitudes toward reading and toward ability to concentrate. (TB)

Investigates children's responses to independent reading and their perceptions of the literary quality of series books and recommended literature. Concludes that students like both kinds of books, and that reading series books does not interfere with their appreciation for literature of higher quality. Recommends assisting children to find quality…

Focuses on children of the 21st century and their books, both of which have changed dramatically over the past decade. Suggests that teachers and librarians need to recognize and understand the implications of these changes in children and their books in order to provide a reading environment to which children will readily relate and in which they…

Investigates the effects of early environments on children's reading attitudes and abilities. Provides insight to assist teachers to develop more favorable classroom settings and to foster stronger student literacy. Presents reviews of related literature, draws conclusions, and considers implications of research. (SG)

Outlines 26 activities to help parents develop informal learning experiences which foster an interest in reading, including bookmaking, grocery shopping, read aloud sessions, and zoo trips. (MM)

Discusses ways parents can encourage their children to read: (1) read alone, together, silently, or out loud; (2) establish an environment that encourages reading; (3) aid and abet reading by demonstrating a positive reading attitude; and (4) encourage reading at school, support local libraries, and visit local bookstores. (RS)

Traces the history of the shift in reading evaluation, outlines the new view of reading, and addresses current assessment trends, including prior knowledge, strategic reading, process measurements, use of authentic texts, and habits and attitudes. Discusses overall diagnostic models such as informal, dynamic, and portfolio assessments. (RS)

Lists and annotates eight items from the ERIC database that discuss ways to motivate children to use the library and to read. (PRA)

Reports a study that examined the long-term stability of the construct of children's attitudes toward reading. Elementary students completed the Elementary Reading Attitude Survey twice over three years. Results indicated that children's attitudes about reading exhibited a consistent decline; girls expressed more positive attitudes toward…

This article considers what happened when a teacher posed the following question to her fifth graders during literature discussions: "Why might we read more than one story about a topic or a person?" As the students responded to this question across several weeks, they began to develop a more comprehensive conception of themselves as readers,…

A longitudinal study investigated the effects of leisure time reading (reading at home for pleasure or fun) on pupils' reading achievement in school. Subjects, 736 students in grades 3, 4, 5, and 6 in 30 schools located throughout the Netherlands, had their reading achievement determined five times: at the beginning and end of grade 3 and at the…

This program was developed and implemented in a third- and fourth-grade classroom setting (with the teacher's support) to develop reading skills in below-grade level students. This was also a Specific Learning Disabled Inclusion Model classroom. The objectives for the program were for 18 of 24 students to increase their oral reading skills by at…

A study investigated what adults think about the nature of changes in reading ability across the life span. Subjects, 121 undergraduate students at two major midwestern universities and 24 non-faculty employees at one of these schools, were asked to list five or more skills which they thought were important for being a good reader at four…