Proposes that illiteracy due to social reasons is a good source of information to investigate the adaptation mechanisms to the formal knowledge of written language. Compares illiterate subjects and their controls in several experimental conditions. Concludes that schooling, and in particular the knowledge of orthography, introduces in the brain…

Argues for the realignment of Shakespeare with the popular forms which influence the social world of young children. Explores what teachers and performers need to learn and unlearn when telling Shakespeare's stories in the company of children. Considers the grounds of creativity for teachers when abandoning prescription in teaching Shakespeare.…

This article presents a rationale and technique for stimulating students' interest in literature. An example, featuring author Donald Crews, is provided. A list of authors of books suitable for primary and middle grades is included together with an author information resource guide. (IAH)

Offers seven reasons for using Big Books with young children. Discusses how to make and use Big Books. (PRA)

Describes the "Bag Game," an activity which keeps kindergartners or first graders absorbed and entertained while heightening their awareness of initial consonant phonemes in spoken words. (SR)

Reviews basic principles underlying word learning and phonics instruction. Discusses approaches to teaching phonics. Draws some tentative conclusions on how an integrated language-arts programs that includes phonics instruction might look in first-grade classrooms. (PA)

Considers positive reasons for using drama in a classroom as part of reading instruction. Discusses the benefits and encounters with using drama in the classroom. Describes how to incorporate drama into reading instruction. (SC)

Follows one student through his first year of the Postgraduate Certificate in Education Course. Claims a teacher of reading can only introduce children to experiences and ways of reading that he/she knows. Argues that teachers need to extend the boundaries of their own reading to appreciate the wide range of ways in which meaning is constructed…

Describes the use of an interactive calendar that incorporates reading and writing in its use. Discusses a typical lesson, managing the interactive calendar, changes throughout the year, extensions and variations of the interactive calendar, and benefits of using the interactive calendar. Urges every primary teacher to learn about interactive…

Examines the utility of teaching reading using rime-based reading strategies with prereaders. Measures rhyming, phoneme identity, letter-sound knowledge, phonological working memory, First Nations language speaking ability, and reading. Concludes that progress in phonological awareness and word reading can be enhanced in prereaders by adding…

This guide provides information critical to developing and implementing an effective school-level intervention program. It is designed to suggest some guiding principles along with examples of how these principles can be operationalized to develop an effective school-level system for meeting the instruction needs of all students. This guide may…

This report summarizes Austin Independent School District's 2007-2008 state-funded program to assist students who are struggling in reading and math.

Drawing on the skills activities found in a variety of basal readers, this book helps teachers who often struggle to reconcile the mandates of direct instruction on basic skills with the preferences of teachers who prefer to teach using children's literature. The book presents lessons built on a list of skills that students should learn in grades…

Suggests class activities to increase interest and improve reading skills in basal reading programs. (RB)