Describes one teacher's numerous approaches for expanding the vocabularies and fostering positive self-concepts and attitudes toward school among the three linguistically very different groups of children in her classroom. (TO)

The scores of 60 first graders on the Concepts about Print Test (Sand) indicated that above-average readers were superior to below-average readers in print-direction concepts, letter-word concepts, and advanced concepts about print. (Author/MKM)

Experimental phonological synthesis (sound blending) and analysis (rhyme detection) tasks were administered to children (n=76) preceding kindergarten entry. Measures of beginning reading were administered after kindergarten, first grade, and second grade. The sound blending task was significantly related to most interim and outcome measures. The…

Examined ability of Kindergarten Screening Battery (KSB) to predict first grade reading placement; first grade reading and mathematics achievement; and second grade reading, mathematics, and listening comprehension achievement. Findings from 215 bright kindergartners indicated KSB was effective predictor of first and second grade criteria and KSB…

Describes emergent literacy behaviors of five year olds and correlates them with scores on a standardized reading readiness test in kindergarten and a reading achievement test in third grade. Finds significant correlations, thus supporting the validity of literacy-related interpretations arising from these emergent literacy tasks. (SR)

Discusses 3 different categories of literacy programs discerned in observations of 37 kindergarten classrooms over an 8-year period: maturationist teachers, basal teachers, and emergent literacy teachers. Provides perceived rationales for the existence of these categories. (SR)

This research synthesis identifies areas of convergence in reading research regarding the importance, dimensions, and effects of phonological awareness on the reading acquisition process. It also highlights similarities and differences between normal achievers and diverse learners. The following five areas of research convergence are identified:…

Noting that parent involvement could be the single most important factor in children's success in school, this book helps parents act as tutors in reading and writing for their kindergarten children. It offers both general guidelines and specific strategies and activities to use for accomplishing specific objectives, such as improving decoding…

This is the second of two studies of Ohio's Head Start programs conducted by the Legislative Office of Education (LOEO) of Ohio. The first study described the implementation of Head Start in Ohio. This study looked at the impact of Head Start's education component by examining urban kindergarten students on selected measures of school readiness.…

An instructional program, based on the instructional systems design model, was developed to assist at-risk students at a New York State elementary school in decoding the consonants b, d, t, and s. Eight first-grade students who displayed difficulty in decoding words participated in the program which took place in a "reading corner" set up within…

THE FOLLOWING IS THE FULL TEXT OF THIS DOCUMENT: The kindergarten staff at H. A. Snow School has devised a series of homework idea sheets, to accompany the readiness program that is taught weekly in the kindergarten classrooms. Beginning in early October, we introduce an alphabet letter each Monday. During the week, all subject areas are focused…

A year-long, quasi-experimental study investigated the comparative effects of a whole language approach and a code emphasis approach upon the emergent literacy of 53 girls in two kindergarten classes in an all girls' parochial school in the Northeast. Subjects in the experimental class received instruction in Holdaway's Shared Book Experience…

Until recently, kindergartens were designed to foster a positive attitude toward school and provide a well-rounded development through the use of suitable play, art, and social activities. Unfortunately, many kindergarten programs have begun to rely on inappropriate materials and techniques taken from formal first-grade programs. Such programs…