How can teachers motivate students to read extensively in a second language? One strategy is for teachers to read aloud to students to promote the joys of reading generally, to build students' language skills and to introduce students to specific authors, book series, genres, websites, etc. This article begins by discussing why teachers might want…

It is the goal of this book to provide unique and helpful information to reading and curriculum specialists who are looking for ways to improve the silent reading proficiency of their students. While the background information is, at times, technical, the recommendations as to the skill areas that require improvement as well as the computer…

A fifth-grade science teacher and university researcher challenged the notion that textbook reading follows the same archaic formula: read the textbook and answer the questions at the end of the section. Together, they adapted literature circle roles to fit textbook structures, resulting in the strategy they call Textmasters. This article…

The authors provide teachers with a rationale for engaging students in independent reading using a differentiated approach. By profiling types of readers, sharing observational tools, and offering teaching suggestions for each type of reader the authors give practical suggestions to facilitate reading engagement and make independent reading more…

This article describes the implementation of an extensive reading (ER) program with 43 first language (L1) and second language (L2) adult literacy students. Among them, 16% were nonnative speakers of English. The main principles considered in the design of the program were (a) purpose of reading, (b) reading tactics, (c) material used, and (d) …

Published in partnership with WestEd, this significantly updated second edition of the bestselling book contains strategies for helping students in middle school through community college gain the reading independence to master subject area textbooks and other material. Features of this book include: (1) Based on the Reading Apprenticeship…

This textbook is a primary-grade reader focusing on silent reading of interesting selections to build control of eye movements that lead to careful silent reading with good comprehension and a long attention span. Silent reading is the complex process of getting thought from the printed page and involves an entirely new pedagogy. In the selection…

This textbook is a primary-grade reader focusing on silent reading of interesting selections to build control of eye movements that lead to careful silent reading with good comprehension and a long attention span. Silent reading is the complex process of getting thought from the printed page and involves an entirely new pedagogy. In the selection…

This textbook is a primary-grade reader focusing on silent reading of interesting selections to build control of eye movements that lead to careful silent reading with good comprehension and a long attention span. Silent reading is the complex process of getting thought from the printed page and involves an entirely new pedagogy. In the selection…

The prevailing assumption underlying practice in the classroom is that children acquire most of their new words from context during silent reading. The trouble with learning from silent reading is that many pupils do not read widely or quickly enough. Reading aloud to children will, however, allow them to participate in activity that they all can…

Describes a 12-week peer tutoring reading program for primary students. Students showed significant reading gains when compared with a control group, but lost these gains when they returned to individual silent reading. Concludes that peer tutoring is an under-utilized but valuable teaching strategy. (Author/LS)

Offers an outline of what research says about silent reading and comprehension. Presents suggestions to help children learn to read silently.

Describes the use of a focused learning strategy designed to help students in developing critical reading and writing skills. A major focus of the "learning to learn" strategy is decreasing student passivity through structured silent reading of relevant magazine and newspaper articles in a small group cooperative learning situation. (DMM)

Weaknesses are apparent in two very popular informal reading comprehension measures. The Informal Reading Inventory (IRI) tests comprehension through questions only, while the Reading Miscue Inventory (RMI) is too cumbersome for the average classroom instructor to administer. Since both measures offer instructors ways of collecting data, they may…

"Focus on Basics" is the quarterly publication of the National Center for the Study of Adult Learning and Literacy. It presents best practices, current research on adult learning and literacy, and how research is used by adult basic education teachers, counselors, program administrators, and policymakers. "Focus on Basics" is dedicated to…