One model of interactive processing useful in describing word identification processes in discourse context is of a weakly interactive type. This type assumes that the time to identify a word in context is an activation function, whereas the time to activate a word in memory beyond some criterial identification threshold is a multiplicative…

A study was conducted to explore how children learn to read in kindergarten. The study employed a heuristic model that included entering ability, home background, instructional processes, home support for literacy development, and measures of student ability at the end of kindergarten. Children were tested, whole-day classroom observations were…

For the dyslexic and others with similar problems, a revision of the sequence of modalities known as VAKT (for visual, auditory, kinesthetic, tactile) might achieve more effective and more rapid remediation. The new sequence is designated as TAK/v. The subordination of the visual modality is based on the recent identification of visual processing…

Globally, knowledge of word meanings is related to reading comprehension. R. C. Anderson and P. Freebody's (1981) seminal paper on vocabulary set forth three hypotheses to explain this relationship--an "instrumentalist" hypothesis suggesting that knowledge of word meanings directly causes reading comprehension, and "general…

This paper explores the patterns and processes used by adult students of English as a second language (ESL) when they guess at the meanings of nonsense words in a reading text. The findings suggest that while word-unit processing is a major component of both first- and second-language reading, a major difference between first- and second-language…

The debate between the whole language approach and the word-centered skills approach to beginning reading instruction is likely to continue into the next decade, so it seems crucial that educators at all levels understand thoroughly the views held by the participants. Advocates of the whole language approach believe effective readers see meaning…

This reading skills guide for grades kindergarten through six is based on the Readiness-Instruction-Maintenance model, which is designed to serve as an aid in the teaching of reading by supplying a cohesive framework for the instruction and acquisition of basic reading skills. In the RIM model, readiness (R) stands for exposure to the skill,…

Designed to complement the RIM (Reading-Instruction-Maintenance) Reading Skill Guide, this reference guide provides a useful tool for teachers utilizing the RIM Model in grades kindergarten through six. In the RIM model, readiness (R) stands for exposure to the skill, mastery not expected; instruction (I) stands for formal presentation with…

A study examined hierarchical relationships among three developmental components of reading ability in grades 1 through 3. It was predicted that semantic skills develop initially, followed by letter identification skills, phonological skills, and visual skills. Reading ability was assessed with a word identification task. The semantic components…

Researchers and educators involved in designing programs of vocabulary instruction must take a more realistic view of the task they face and realize that vocabulary instruction has limitations. First among these limitations is the sheer size of the task. Teaching the meanings of new words one at a time cannot possibly ensure the volume of…

The reading development activities contained in this guide were created to assist vocational and prevocational teachers in working with students who are reading below their grade level. The activities were developed and used by practicing teachers in West Virginia during a summer institute and fall practicum. The reading activities use vocational…

A study was designed to measure the relationship between learning to read and learning to write at the elementary school level. Measures of phonics knowledge, reading vocabulary, spelling, reading comprehension, and grammatical and organizational complexity of writing were administered to 256 second grade and 253 fifth grade students. The findings…

A PROTOTYPIC GUIDE TO READING SKILL DEVELOPMENT IN THE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL FOCUSES ON THE COGNITIVE SKILLS THAT INFLUENCE ACHIEVEMENT IN READING. THE GUIDE PROVIDES EXPLICIT STATEMENTS OF THE FOLLOWING SKILLS -- WORD RECOGNITION, COMPREHENSION, STUDY SKILLS, SELF-DIRECTED READING, INTERPRETIVE READING, AND CREATIVE READING--AND A SPECIFIC FRAMEWORK…

Exercises are provided in this set of four workbooks designed to aid students in environmental studies programs in building vocabulary and reading skills. Each workbook borrows from the vocabulary of environmental sciences to provide explanations and exercises for a sequential series of instructional objectives. One workbook concentrates on…

Exercises are provided in this set of four workbooks designed to aid students in auto repair programs in building vocabulary and reading skills. Each workbook borrows from the vocabulary of auto mechanics to provide explanations and exercises for a sequential series of instructional objectives. One workbook concentrates on developing the ability…