Reports results of a study in Latvia of students ages 10 to 13 in grades 5 to 7 and their interest in different literary genres, their favorite books, and people who influenced their choices of reading material. (SR)

Investigates, in a pilot study, the range of reading experiences offered to British junior level students. Finds that quiet reading periods (although brief and frequently disturbed) and the sharing of texts were common features in the classrooms observed. Finds a wide range of reading experiences in some cases but aimless and superficial reading…

This annotated bibliography, published to assist teachers, librarians, and parents in finding quality reading materials, presents books for reading aloud to students or children in grades 4-8. Each of the 140 entries, listed alphabetically by author, provides the author's name, title, publisher, sequels or related books, a brief annotation about…

Examined how reading texts for different purposes affected amounts of incidental word learning. Grade 6 students were asked to read texts for fun, to learn about the topic of the text, and for text comprehension. Level of reading ability was a significant factor in all conditions. Low ability readers learned hardly any words incidentally;…

These materials are intended to support teachers in the selection of quality text from the full range included in England's National Literacy Strategy Framework for Teaching for Years 5 and 6. The materials contain examples of how to use the suggested text in reading and writing across the "Literacy Hour." Some of the text types…

Describes the directed group reading technique used by a middle grades teacher in Japan to help her students get the most from a book. Explains how the technique not only allowed the students to acquire more knowledge, but also taught them how to study and think. (FL)

An instrument structured around Kenneth Burke's "dramatistic pentad" (agent-act-scene-agency-purpose) was used to analyze and compare children's stories in Indian and Canadian fourth, fifth, and sixth grade reading series. The selections included 77 stories from the Madhya Pradesh, India, reading series and 196 stories from two reading…

Two studies focused on children's reading but employed very different procedures and techniques. The first study examined the link between the levels of children's reading comprehension and the quantity of reading they did. Subjects, 198 children chosen at random from years 5, 6, and 7 of a single elementary school in Adelaide, Australia,…

A study examined whether cultural relevancy was achieved in the development of stories for the "Doctor Bird Readers" by the Jamaican government for children in grades four through six by using Jamaican authors and artists. Quantitative questionnaires were used to survey the schools, and participant observations and informal interviews…

To identify and compare prominent symbols of social relationships used in children's reading materials, a sociological analysis was made of literary materials used for developing children's reading in grades four, five, and six in India and Canada. (HOD)

The "Doctor Bird Readers" represent a first attempt by the Jamaican government to produce readers for children in grades four-six by using Jamaican authors and artists. This study examined whether cultural relevancy was achieved in the development of stories for the "Doctor Bird Readers." A quantitative questionnaire combined…

Contends that, although the Jewish Holocaust is horrifying, it is imperative that students learn about it. Provides guidelines for teaching about the topic in elementary and middle schools. Includes a resource list of first-person accounts and fictional works and a chart showing the death toll by European nation. (CFR)

Presents effective methods for the discussion, sharpening, and enrichment of readers' responses. Includes methods to teach students how to choose a good book, an individualized and/or group reading and response program, and journal writing techniques. Provides a bibliography of Canadian children's literature for intermediate grades. (MM)

Reports on a national study of the extracurricular cultural life and the impact of the mass media on Chinese middle school students. Finds a strong influence of recreational reading, television, music, and videos on middle school students. Presents a four-part course of action designed to strengthen ethical instruction in the schools. (CFR)