For the last several days, Janet had been anxious about her upcoming parent-teacher conference with Sam, 18-month-old Abby's father. Sam had recently brought in alphabet flash cards because he wants Abby to learn to read. Janet completely understood Sam's desire to support his daughter's early language skills, but she was not comfortable with the…

Describes the rationale for The Informal Reading-Language Test, then presents the test. (FL)

Reports on naturalistic research studies revealing that children begin to learn to read and write long before they go to school. (JL)

CULTURALLY DEPRIVED CHILDREN HAVE DIFFICULTY MASTERING BASIC COMMUNICATION SKILLS. WHILE UNDERPRIVILEGED CHILDREN CAN COMMUNICATE AMONG THEMSELVES AT A RATHER HIGH LEVEL OF FLUENCY, THEIR ONE-WORD SENTENCES, STRANGE SPEAKING NOISES, AND IRREGULARITIES PREVENT THE DEVELOPMENT OF BASIC READING READINESS SKILLS. A FUNDAMENTAL NECESSITY IN OVERCOMING…

Emphasizes the value of reading to preschool children as a method of developing language skills and enhancing reading readiness. (MH)

Described is a preschool science activity in which students use shell collections. This activity demonstrates how language development and reading readiness skills are interrelated with science. Prereading and reading activities are described involving the students in direct interaction with the shell collection. (DS)

In learning the skills of reading and writing, it seems most probable that the child has to become aware of certain aspects of spoken language which he has not previously perceived. Although the child is capable of saying and hearing words and can easily tell them apart from other words, to spell them phonically he must understand the concept of…

This monograph reviews research into the desirability and possibility of applying the readiness concept to all stages of growth in reading and at all levels of maturation in the elementary school. Chapters include "Readiness for Reading," which analyzes physiological, intellectual, emotional, social, and experiential factors involved in…

This article presents a five-step sequence for teaching children with disabilities to read pictures. Steps are sequenced for content and complexity of picture, student response requirement, and language demands. They include: (1) identify person, (2) identify object, (3) identify person and object, (4) identify action, and (5) identify sequence.…

This paper discusses the place of reading instruction in the education of brain-injured children and presents some arguments for early reading instruction for children in general. Reading instruction is especially suitable for brain-injured children because reading presents an additional means of stimulating the brain. Meaning is attached to…

Recognizing that preschool experience of hearing stories read aloud contributes significantly to children's subsequent success in learning to read at school, this paper explores the complex and powerful literacy learning that can develop from a certain style of whole class story reading to children whose home cultures would not otherwise give them…

Reviews the benefits of early exposure to books for infants and toddlers. Benefits include language and vocabulary development and creation of an emotional connection to books and reading. Offers suggestions on reading to infants and toddlers, advice on selecting appropriate books, and tips for making simple homemade books. (TJQ)

This paper discusses five language roots of reading: phonology, syntax, semantics, short-term and long-term memory, and auditory segmenting. Teachers are urged to focus early school experiences toward development of these five skills to reduce the incidence of reading difficulties. Specific teaching suggestions are offered. (Author/DB)

The activities and skills in this guide are designed to improve the listening skills and spoken language of the preschool and primary grade child. Divided into two sections--reading readiness and the reading process--the guide provides skills, suggested activities, and evaluation criteria and methods for teaching listening, speaking, the thought…