This article describes a small-scale project designed to help engage reluctant adolescent readers in voluntary reading practice during sustained silent reading (SSR). Three teachers worked with a secondary school reading expert to identify and agree on elements of effective instructional conversations and then implemented these "book talks" with a…

This issue contains 12 articles on modes of delivery in adult basic education. They include: "Teaching for Communicative Competence" (Donna Moss); "Sustained Silent Reading: A Useful Model" (Susanne Campagna); " A Slow Conversion to Reading Groups" (Susan Watson); "Differentiated Instruction" (Mary Ann Corley); "Differentiating Instruction for a…

Emphasizes that the teacher as a role model is crucial to the success of Sustained Silent Reading (SSR). Suggests that teacher modeling of sharing activities immediately after SSR is also very important. (MG)

Critical review of the National Reading Panel report on fluency. Asserts that panel omitted or misinterpreted studies confirming the value of free reading in the classroom to improve student literacy. (Contains 24 references.) (PKP)

Students in 61 English classes at an urban high school participated in an investigation of the effects of sustained silent reading (SSR) on their reading comprehension skills and on their atttiudes toward reading. SSR calls for a systematic structured time in school for students to read books of their choosing without being tested when the reading…

Readers share information on the use of the uninterrupted silent sustained reading method to change the reading attitudes of adult Native American students and on the use of taped books with high school remedial reading students. (MKM)

A study investigated whether 19 at-risk fifth-grade students would benefit from using Sustained Silent Reading. Ten students were exposed to 15 minutes of Sustained Silent Reading at least four times a week over the course of a school year, while nine students were not. All students were administered a pre- and post- self-concept inventory and a…

The articles in this journal for reading teachers stress the importance of enjoyment in the reading process. The topics discussed include the following: the role of comic books in the classroom, the effect of story telling on oral language and imagination development, the place of the library in reading for enjoyment, reading motivation through…

Discusses the benefits of implementing the practice of uninterrupted sustained silent reading (U.S.S.R.) in either a single classroom or an entire school building. (AEA)

Defines Uninterrupted Sustained Silent Reading and explains the need for it, how to use it effectively, what to expect from it, and what to do if something goes wrong. (FL)

Advocates sustained silent reading (SSR) in elementary classrooms to ensure a positive attitude towards reading. Defines important aspects of SSR and discusses its implementation and value. (SR)

Suggests guidelines, taken from adult reading groups, for teachers to use when establishing reading club groups in the classroom which include discussing the purpose for reading clubs, demonstrating how to choose a book to read, and establishing rules for the reading club groups. (NH)

Mario, an adolescent English-language learner and struggling reader, participated in a university-sponsored summer literacy program. After the program, a follow-up literacy assessment was conducted, and Mario was interviewed about his perceptions of and practices with literacy. The findings of this case study demonstrate the possibility that…

Discusses the rationale for sustained silent reading, suggests methods for implementing it, reports on studies showing its positive effects, and notes problems and benefits involved in sustained silent reading programs. (DD)

Traces the rationale for removing Sustained Silent Reading from reading instruction as implied by the Reading First initiative. Suggests that no one is accepting responsibility. Notes the authors are apparently out of step with their teaching because they recommend and use many practices that have not been validated by studies conducted by the…