Investigates the impact of the World Wide Web instructional medium on second language comprehension during independent reading. Results of the study suggest that when teaching content through self-directed reading, the web medium can evoke better reading comprehension than the traditional print medium. (Author/VWL)

Compares second grade and fifth grade students' recreational reading levels (when students self-select library books for recreation reading) in relation to independent, instructional, and frustration levels as determined with an informal reading inventory. Concludes that recreational reading levels should not be viewed as synonymous with…

Argues that building commitment through cooperative efforts, influencing colleagues through participation, highlighting staff development, and applying developmental supervision can create a favorable attitude toward using school time for independent reading. (RS)

Discusses a study that interviewed 12 dyslexics, including a Nobel laureate, a member of the United States Academy of Sciences, and other professionals in fields requiring reading. Finds that all of them developed basic fluency three to four years later than peers, but still acquired Stage 5 skills through avid reading about a topic of passionate…

Provides a nine-item annotated bibliography of material from the ERIC database focusing on independent reading and its importance in elementary secondary education. (MG)

Discusses information literacy, independent learning, and social responsibility standards developed by the American Association of School Librarians (AASL) and Association for Educational Communications and Technology (AECT), focusing on independent learning: general techniques and methods for encouraging independent learning, independent reading,…

This article makes a case for devoting time to independent reading and then describes the "Book Bistro," a strategy for promoting independent reading. Research concerning adolescents and reading is reviewed, followed by detailed instructions for implementing Book Bistro and advice from teachers. In Book Bistro, adolescent students are invited once…

A deep, developmental construct and definition of fluency, in which fluency and reading comprehension have a reciprocal relationship, is explicated and contrasted with superficial approaches to that construct. The historical development of fluency is outlined, along with conclusions of the U.S. National Reading Panel, to explore why fluency has…

A popular response among high school teachers and leaders facing students reading far below grade level, the authors claim, is to adopt back-to-basics packaged programs that focus on discrete skills with little attention to critical reading and writing. The authors express concern that reliance on such programs keeps older struggling readers from…

Out-of-school programs provide a context for enriching academic experiences. This study describes a 12-week after-school reading program, Project Expanding Horizons, which is based on the Schoolwide Enrichment Model-Reading (SEM-R) framework. SEM-R has three phases: exposure, supported independent reading, and choice. The exposure phase is…

Due in part to conflicting opinions and research results, the practice of sustained silent reading (SSR) in schools has been questioned. After a frustrating experience with SSR, the author of this article began a data-driven decision-making process to gain new insights on how to structure silent reading in a classroom, including a comparison…

With the intention of illuminating the many obstacles involved with literacy promotion in the developing nations of Africa, Asia, and South America, the authors of the 10 articles in this collection share their knowledge and experience of literacy promotion in the developing world--including the unique challenges faced by those who publish, print,…

Supplementing a reading program as needed, this book presents reproducible patterns to make 25 mini-books to strengthen the skills of emerging readers (kindergarten and grade 1). The easy-to-make, easy-to-read mini-books are designed to build children's confidence as readers and help them gain fluency. The mini-books presented in the book are…

Several points need to be addressed when selecting humorous books for children. First, people of all ages react to humor in different ways; therefore, what one child finds funny another may not. Care must therefore be taken in sharing books with and recommending books for children. Second, humor itself is difficult to define, but humor should…

This practicum was designed to provide a setting where negative attitudes toward reading in eight eighth-grade literature students (in a small private school in a large southeastern city) would be modified. The practicum aimed to provide students with regular opportunities for successful experiences in reading, and to promote the enjoyment of…