The purpose of this research was to investigate the impact of tier 2 instruction on the comprehension and vocabulary of first grade students identified with low language and vocabulary skills. Specifically, the authors conducted a pilot study within the context of federally funded efficacy research to examine whether students participating in…

Investigates children's reading strategies and progress when a meaning-based approach to reading instruction was implemented in a first-grade reading classroom. Describes the design of a reading program in which the teacher introduced totally predictable books, literacy-related centers, and minilessons in context on selected letter-sound…

Devoted to the affective dimensions of learning to read, this study examined (1) the relationship between reading self-concept at the beginning of first grade and measured reading achievement at the middle of first grade, and (2) the relationships between change in first grade reading self-concept and patterns of observed successes in reading. In…

Describes a Reading Recovery case study involving a first-grade student who was at risk for learning how to read and write. Notes that this student learned to read strategically and was accelerated to the average band in her classroom after 81 Reading Recovery lessons, without first knowing the alphabet. (SR)

The purpose of this study was to determine if significant differences in first grade achievement appeared among pupils who participated in an eight-week Summer Head Start Program and qualified pupils who did not participate. Both groups were divided into three subgroups according to scores on the Draw-A-Man Test. Each subgroup (high, middle, and…

Explores the relation between preschool phoneme awareness and initial reading development. Confirms a significant impact of functional letter knowledge on the length of the foundation period and on later reading development. Argues that phonemic awareness is an indispensable catalyst in the development of initial word processing ability. (SG)

Examines the effectiveness of two computer programs designed to increase phonological awareness in young children. Finds that children who received computer-administered phonological awareness instruction and children who received teacher-delivered phonological awareness instruction showed a significant increase in phonological processing over…

This research project was designed to explore suitable operant methods to assure successful acquisition of some initial formal reading skills by first and second graders. The subjects were 12 pupils diagnosed as predicted reading failures by failing scores on four or more subtests of a 10 test battery suggested by DeHirsch, Jansky, and Langford…

It was the purpose of this study to investigate the effects of a specific type of visual perception training on the reading achievement of first grade children diagnosed as being deficient in visual perceptual skills by the Children's Perceptual Achievement Forms Test. The study included 96 subjects from 17 classrooms in three elementary schools…

A child's ability to read is at the very foundation of his or her learning in school and plays a significant role in scholastic success. Although no one literacy model can ever represent the range of diverse learners in our schools, Cunningham, Hall, and Defee's literacy model known as Four-Block attempts to meet the needs of as many learners as…

Investigates whether home-based repeated reading with an audio model is a significant supplement to the literacy instructional program of second-language learners. Finds that all five participating second-language learners received substantial benefit from the opportunity to practice reading books with audiotapes at home, and that the support…

Studies the effects of Reading Recovery participation on 103 first-grade students in Atlanta elementary schools. Finds that participating in Reading Recovery appears to assist students in increasing their level of belief about their value in the eyes of significant others but does not increase students' sense of competence. (NH)

A study determined if pairing children for reading in first grade would have an effect on their reading achievement. The subjects in this study came from one first grade class in a suburban school district. For 6 weeks, one group of emergent readers was paired with more able readers, while another group of emergent readers in the same class was…

Reading achievement of disadvantaged pupils who were grouped for special instruction under the same teacher in grades 1 and 2 was compared to the reading achievement of disadvantaged pupils who were instructed according to regular classroom procedures in grades 1 and 2. Pupils in the experimental group (55) were matched with pupils in the control…

Investigates eight first-grade whole language classrooms in terms of what phonics skills and concepts were taught, where phonics instruction occurred, and how it was conducted. Shows gains in ability to decode and encode words for all students. Finds that teachers responded to individual needs of learners, and that skills were taught within the…