This study examined differences in oral reading strategies of 60 first-grade students attending school in two comparable Texas districts. One district provided beginning reading instruction through an eclectic basal approach; the second taught reading using a phonic emphasis approach. The Reading Miscue Inventory was used to analyze oral reading…

The five different methods of teaching reading used in the schools of Neuchatel, Switzerland, are described in this study. Remi-Colette is the official method, approaching reading through the study of key words, then syllables, letters, and sounds. The second method, S'Exprimer-Lire (Express oneself-read), inspired by recent linguistic studies,…

British research developments in 1972 in the areas of reading standards, dyslexia, remedial provision, length of schooling, language and reading, and materials and medium are summarized in this booklet. Also included are annotated listings of articles and books covering such subjects as teaching methods, cultural deprivation, personality and…

It is maintained that the distinction between "phonics" and "look and say" methods of teaching is irrelevant for learning to read, and it is suggested that there is a specific sequence of steps which are essential if children are to learn to read an alphabetic script. (Author/RK)

This is the second of two issues focused on teaching beginning reading skills to adults--both native and non-native English speakers. According to the latest research in reading, one of the best strategies for improving reading skills is systematic, explicit instruction in decoding skills or phonics. Although many critics have argued that the…

Illustrates the difficulty encountered when disadvantaged black children are taught reading by conventional methods--by identifying some conflict points between nonstandard Negro dialect and Standard English. These cause no problem if they are simply disregarded in the teaching of reading. (JM)

Reports on a study that indicated the effectiveness of Scottish methods of teaching beginning reading to boys from working class homes. Describes the teaching methods used and concludes that Scottish success may be partially accounted for by early phonics teaching and by daily involvement of parents in children's reading. (GT)

In a truly balanced literacy program, how teachers teach is as important as what they teach. This article focuses on issues related to teaching basic skills with literature, effective grouping and planning, covering content, and dealing with student assessment. Five rules of thumb for maintaining balance are listed. (SM)

Studies the effects of reading instruction using D. Carnine and J. Silbert's "Direct Instruction Reading." Finds that direct instruction in phonics is more successful than basals at teaching the essential skills that provide the foundation for future success in reading. Dispels the myth that explicit phonics instruction interferes with…

This article applies research findings to the teaching of phonics, and outlines four instructional steps: (1) introduce letter-sound correspondence in isolation, (2) teach students to blend sounds to read words, (3) provide immediate feedback on oral reading errors, and (4) provide extensive practice. (JDD)