A study was conducted to survey the attitudes of elementary students toward read-aloud experiences. Subjects were 575 children in grades one through six. The results of first grade students were omitted due to inconsistencies in their responses. The remaining grade level distribution consisted of 137 second graders, 121 third graders, 145 fourth…

Undertaken as part of a larger study, the experiments described in this report examine various aspects of the relationship between pictures and text and of the methodology for examining that relationship. Each of the 11 experiments described in the report involved college students and deals with the effects of storyline and texture on the reading…

Based on the notion that reading is both fun and fundamental, this book contains a stimulating array of activities that parents can use to engage their children in reading from the toddler stage through primary school. The first section provides information on how to use the guide, and some tips for encouraging young readers. The second and major…

Forty-eight college students participated in a study that (1) explored the degree to which the reader response technique developed by W. F. Brewer and E. H. Lichtenstein to study artificial texts could be applied to natural texts, and (2) compared texts written over a wide time period and from two different literary traditions (six American and…

Includes 12 articles that suggest activities to involve junior and senior high school students with their school libraries. Suggestions include a program to promote the reading of quality books; the use of questionnaires to improve individualized service; a checklist for book fairs; library clubs; student book reviewers; booktalks; research…

Discusses six books (published in 1997 or 1998) for educators that deal with teaching young adolescents and teaching with literature. (SR)

The author of a new guide to selecting books boys (preschool through junior high) will enjoy discusses the social view of reading as feminine, the limited cultural vision of masculinity, and the ability of books to offset these one-dimensional images. (Author/AEF)

What can parents do to guide pupils to achieve well in reading? Parents may look at and discuss picture books with their preschool and kindergarten age children, without pressing them to read. School or public libraries are good sources of free reading materials. Parents must take ample time to read for themselves at home, thus modelling enjoyment…

Students in college developmental reading classes were given a questionnaire about the experiences they had had in reading during their elementary and high school years. They were asked questions about (1) the materials they used in former reading classes, (2) books or stories they had found particulary memorable, (3) the effectiveness of…

A study gathered information concerning the reading habits and attitudes of three groups of educators: 249 preservice teachers, 89 inservice teachers, and 65 teacher educators. A self-reported survey questionnaire was used to gather the data. When asked whether they enjoy reading, 89% of the preservice, 100% of the inservice, and 92% of the…

Imagine what a difference it would make if every child loved to read. Every teacher knows the difference that a love of reading makes to a child's performance; reading opens so many doors. However, research has long shown not only that men and boys in the developed world lag behind women and girls when it comes to engaging with reading. Thus…

Considers several topics related to children and reading, including the author's childhood reading experiences, her experiences writing about and teaching children's literature, the effects of television on reading, types of literature-based reading programs, and requirements for a successful reading program. (23 references) (MES)

The domino effect of illiteracy can be halted if students are given opportunity early in life to develop a positive attitude toward reading. Research supports the notion that reading interests lead to knowledge, which leads, in turn, to increased comprehension. Motivational ideas include using trade books and literature as collateral material in…

Asserts that, as society moves into an electronic age, the examination of the historical role of printed materials is developing as a new field of study. Reports on a project that will examine the history of the book in the United States and its significance in shaping and mirroring U.S. democratic values. (CFR)

This paper focuses on a 1997 pilot project carried out in five secondary schools in South Africa that examined children's reading and information use. This study (n=958) was part of a larger study from 1995 and 1996 carried out in the United Kingdom. The primary goal was to examine what young people are reading at the end of the 20th century. The…