Although basic literacy will continue to be necessary for survival, mass communications and information technology are bringing about an inevitable and lamentable decline in reading for pleasure and in the love of literature for its own sake. (TE)

ELEMENTARY TEACHERS ARE COMMENDED FOR DEVELOPING LIFETIME READERS. ELEMENTARY TEACHERS TELL STORIES AND READ ALOUD WITH ZEST AND NATURAL AFFECTION. THEY STRUCTURE THE CLASSROOM ENVIRONMENT TO MAKE IT ACCESSIBLE AND CONDUCIVE TO FREE AND ENJOYABLE READING, AND THEY GIVE ATTENTION TO THE BASIC SKILLS OF LANGUAGE AS WELL AS TO THE CONTENT THAT…

Briefly discusses four curriculum models developed in the 1960's and then lists and discusses the criteria for today's literature programs that will develop lifetime reading habits among students. A suggested reading list of literature to understand others is included. (TO)

In this study it was hypothesized that if a young reader repeatedly chooses a serial book for pleasure reading, then appreciation and ability to choose and recognize quality works will diminish. Four sixth-grade English classes recorded their independent reading choices for five months. Those who habitually read series books were chosen for the…

Reports on a survey of high school students, who listed books they recommended for study in class, and for independent, recreational reading. Lists 84 books that were recommended. (RL)

The purposes of this study were: (1) to investigate the general interests and the reading interests of pupils in first grade through third grade and (2) to investigate teachers' skills in interpreting interest data and in choosing literature for children. The sample consisted of 521 pupils and 18 teachers. Reading interests of the children were…

The author addresses teachers, parents, and young readers on the importance of reading fiction for young people. The first chapter, "Young People Reading," discusses the development of children's literature (upper-early secondary) since the eighteenth century. "The Novel in the Conservative Classroom" argues for the inclusion of contemporary as…

Explains how a guided independent reading program became popular with junior high school students. (SW)

Describes a reading program focusing on Newbery Medal and Honor Books developed by a library/media specialist and a sixth-grade reading teacher. Evolution of the group format into an individualized approach is discussed, as well as such positive outcomes of the program as increased enjoyment of reading by students. (BK)

Reasoning that in a basic English class there is barely enough time to read one or two novels a year, an English teacher convinced the principal of a Youngstown junior-senior high school that an independent reading course would be of tremendous value to those students who are avid readers as well as those who enjoy reading but can never seem to…

The third volume in the NCTE Distinguished Lectures Series, this collection of papers includes (1) William Stafford on poetry and the language of everyday life, (2) Fred Stocking linking Shakespeare to his time and all time by analysing "temperance" in Sonnet 18, (3) Alan Downer discussing the nature of comedy in drama and the universal…

The purposes of this study were to identify teacher competencies and practices recommended by authorities for promoting interest in reading, and to determine if there were any observable differences in students' reporting of the amount of books read and "really liked" between classes whose teachers were ranked high in competencies and practices,…

Shows how regularly scheduled activities with books and well designed library corners can increase children's interest in reading, using a study of four summer recreational daycare centers to illustrate. (JC)

SOME WAYS CHILDREN CAN TURN TO READING FOR INFORMATION AND ENJOYMENT ARE DISCUSSED UNDER THE FOLLOWING SEVEN HEADINGS--TEACH CHILDREN TO READ EASILY AND WELL, MAKE BOOKS AVAILABLE ON MANY LEVELS AND TOPICS, PROMOTE BOOKS ACTIVELY, READ TO CHILDREN EVERYDAY, HAVE CHILDREN SHARE THEIR READING, LET CHILDREN FILL IN A READING DESIGN, AND READ…