The end of the school year is in sight, but it's not too late to help lower-level readers catch up. Experts across the country were asked about the most common obstacles to reading success--and effective ways to over-come them. Their insights and tips can help a teacher make a real difference before summer begins.

This article explores the factors behind the success of a reading workshop at the Center for Teaching and Learning in Edgecomb, Maine. In the workshop, teachers start by being honest with students about what they do as readers. They acknowledge the guilt many of them grew up with--the feeling that there's a proper, rigorous way to read and that…

Teachers sometimes try every intervention strategy they can think of to help struggling readers. However, some teachers still feel that they are not getting through. This article presents the reading strategies offered by two literacy researchers Michael Pressley and Nell K. Duke, of Michigan State University.

How a group of second graders used techniques from Sesame Street'' in developing phonics materials. (SP)

New research shows that certain conditions surrounding read-alouds will ensure the greatest benefits. Suggestions for getting the most out of reading aloud include: engage students' interests; make sure the books are at the right difficulty level; spend an appropriate amount of time on reading aloud; offer a range of materials to read aloud; and…

Describes how to help young readers decode multisyllabic words by providing lessons on syllable spelling patterns. The article explains what a syllable is; presents the six common syllable spelling patterns (closed, open, r-controlled, vowel team, vowel-silent, and consonant-le); and offers a lesson on close syllables. (SM)

Tips for helping children develop skills in reading directories, timetables, maps, signs, newspapers, credit forms, and consumer information. (SJL)

Part of a section, "4 Reading Techniques that Work.

Consultant discusses useful guidelines for using oral reading wisely. (GB)

Figurative Language can be a more effective way for authors to say what they mean, but young readers need help from teachers to ensure their understanding of these figures of speech. (Author)

Music, which moves a child as it does an adult through song and dance, can very well stimulate, support, and inspire a beginning reading program. (Author)

Describes the organization of classroom Reading Learning Stations as one way to provide individualized learning experiences. (RB)

Here are 15 reading games you can adapt to any level, complete with easy-to-copy illustrations. Make them sturdy the first around--they'll get used and used! (Editor/RK)

Most students who lag in reading can progress with the help of both classroom attention and individual tutoring. They do best when reading materials they enjoy and can read at a certain level. This article explains the 10 steps to successful tutoring and discusses what to do if students are nonreaders. (SM)

The most important activity for building the knowledge required for eventual success in reading is reading aloud to children at home and in the classroom. At school, reading aloud is important for starting the day, presenting reading and writing mini-lessons, supporting social studies and science curricula, supporting whole-class book studies, and…