Describes a study in a fourth grade class which investigated students' reactions to the literacy program, providing the teacher with information regarding students' attitudes toward types of materials and specific strategies used. (SR)

Explores the enormous attraction for young readers of series books (such as Nancy Drew, Hardy Boys, and currently "The Baby-Sitters Club"). Discusses what children might learn from such reading, often thought of as pap literature by adults. (SR)

Discusses how alien students and teachers are to each other, especially when it comes to literature. Argues that these differences are at the root of many difficulties faced in helping students become readers and appreciate literature. Offers brief descriptions of 10 new or overlooked young-adult books worth reading. (SR)

Examines the role of literature in the middle school curriculum and how this role affects young adolescents' reading habits. Argues that literature's role lies in the aesthetic experience of literature as an end in itself. Considers the necessity of ensuring that students understand this personal payoff of reading. (JPB)

Suggests that reading aloud: incorporates into any language program, is cost effective, requires little preparation, develops listening habits, builds language skills, aids reading comprehension, and impacts students' attitudes toward reading. Lists 15 books that are good to read aloud for K-1, 14 books for grades 2-3, and 13 books good for…

Notes that the primary goal for teaching literature is to encourage students to see themselves as having a voice in the question of what constitutes literary merit by defining reasonable parameters by which to judge a creative work. Discusses how the author uses comic books in most of his composition classes and all of his literature classes. (SG)

Getting students to read can often be a very exasperating, frustrating experience for classroom teachers, parents, and reading specialists alike. However, the use of jokes, cartoons, funny stories, comedy records, and joke books can be used to instill a love of reading. Humor can also be used to improve interpersonal skills, and reading and…

Noting that educators can help students have the positive experiences necessary to foster interest and growth in reading skills by guiding them toward the selection of library books at appropriate reading levels, this bibliography provides citations of high quality books for which a readability grade level has been determined using the Fry…

Seeks answers to two questions using an informal Functions of Print Test: (1) are kindergartners aware of the functions of print, and (2) what do kindergartners view as the reasons for reading in our society? Finds, in general, children are aware of the functions of print and recognize the purpose for reading. (NH)

Analyzes the attitudes and philosophies the writers of "Cosmopolitan" magazine convey to their readers so that English teachers may be aware of writing styles they ordinarily would not see. (DF)

Notes that modern rewriters transform traditional folk stories for reading texts, adhering to strictures imposed by popular ideas about childhood, language, and learning. Proposes to improve the quality of folktales and learning by restoring original language in folktales. (FL)

Discusses the tendencies of writers of adolescent literature to seek out the violent and even the sadistic and to present it to less able adolescent readers. Suggests that not having students read may be preferable to having them read adolescent literature with objectionable subject matter that they may misinterpret. (RL)

Describes the rationale for implementing a book club or a book discussion in college developmental reading classes in order to offer both the instructor and the students a chance to interact with the text and peers. Gives instructions on how one can implement a book club including details about the entire process. (Contains 18 references and 2…

Provides three interdependent principles which invite parents to take an active role in assessing their child's individual literacy growth. Shares six ideas for teachers who want parents to become active partners in the assessment process. (MG)

Examines the effect of the content of reading material on students' perceptions of reading as masculine or feminine. Finds that during the second grade, students' views on reading change from sex-neutral to more feminine than masculine, and that the content or genre of the reading material influences this perception. (RS)